The OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) Top 10 is a widely-recognized list of the most common web application vulnerabilities. The list is compiled by a team of experts in the field of cyber security and is updated every few years to reflect the latest trends and threats.
The OWASP Top 10 is designed to help organizations understand and prioritize the most critical risks to their web applications. By focusing on the vulnerabilities on this list, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches.
The current version of the OWASP Top 10, released in 2021, includes the following vulnerabilities:
Injection: This vulnerability occurs when an attacker is able to inject malicious code into a web application, allowing them to gain access to sensitive data or take control of the application.
Broken Authentication and Session Management: This vulnerability occurs when an attacker is able to gain unauthorized access to a user’s account or session, allowing them to steal sensitive data or perform actions on behalf of the user.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): This vulnerability occurs when an attacker is able to inject malicious code into a website, which is then executed by unsuspecting users when they visit the site.4
Insecure Direct Object References: This vulnerability occurs when a web application exposes sensitive data or resources to attackers by using predictable object references.
Security Misconfiguration: This vulnerability occurs when a web application is not properly configured, allowing attackers to access sensitive data or take control of the application.
Sensitive Data Exposure: This vulnerability occurs when a web application exposes sensitive data, such as passwords or financial information, to attackers.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): This vulnerability occurs when an attacker is able to trick a user into performing actions on a website, such as transferring funds or changing their password, without their knowledge.
Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities: This vulnerability occurs when a web application uses components, such as libraries or frameworks, that have known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
Failure to Restrict URL Access: This vulnerability occurs when a web application does not properly restrict access to sensitive pages or resources, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access.
Insufficient Logging and Monitoring: This vulnerability occurs when a web application does not adequately log and monitor activity, making it difficult to detect and respond to cyber attacks.
The OWASP Top 10 is an important resource for organizations looking to improve the security of their web applications. By understanding and addressing these vulnerabilities, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches