Introduction to OWASP Top-10 Security Risks

The OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) Top 10 Security Risks is a list of the most critical security concerns for web applications, updated periodically to reflect emerging threats and vulnerabilities. Here’s a detailed overview of the OWASP Top 10:

1. Broken Access Control

• Description: When users can access data or perform actions beyond their intended permissions.

• Examples:

  • Accessing another user's account by modifying the user ID in the URL.

  • Viewing or modifying restricted data.

• Mitigations:

  • Enforce role-based access control (RBAC).

  • Use server-side validation for access control.

  • Perform penetration testing to identify broken access control.

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2. Cryptographic Failures (Previously "Sensitive Data Exposure")

• Description: Inadequate protection of sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal information.

• Examples:

  • Transmitting data over HTTP instead of HTTPS.

  • Using weak encryption algorithms or no encryption.

• Mitigations:

  • Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest.

  • Use strong encryption protocols (e.g., AES-256, TLS 1.2+).

  • Avoid exposing sensitive data in logs or error messages.

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3. Injection

• Description: Malicious input is sent to an interpreter, causing unintended commands or queries.

• Examples:

  • SQL Injection: '; DROP TABLE users; --

  • Command Injection: rm -rf / passed to a shell.

• Mitigations:

  • Use parameterized queries or prepared statements.

  • Validate and sanitize user inputs.

  • Avoid direct interpreter commands.

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4. Insecure Design

• Description: Security flaws introduced due to poor design choices in applications.

• Examples:

  • Lack of threat modeling or secure development practices.

  • Insufficient input validation mechanisms.

• Mitigations:

  • Implement secure design principles.

  • Conduct regular security reviews and testing.

  • Incorporate threat modeling in the SDLC.

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5. Security Misconfiguration

• Description: Improperly configured security settings, leaving systems exposed to attacks.

• Examples:

  • Default passwords left unchanged.

  • Unnecessary services or features enabled.

  • Improper error handling revealing stack traces.

• Mitigations:

  • Regularly update and patch software.

  • Disable unused features.

  • Use automated tools for configuration management and audits.

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6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components

• Description: Using libraries, frameworks, or other components with known vulnerabilities.

• Examples:

  • Running an application on an outdated server.

  • Using deprecated versions of third-party libraries.

• Mitigations:

  • Monitor and update components regularly.

  • Use dependency management tools.

  • Test applications for compatibility after updates.

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7. Identification and Authentication Failures

• Description: Weak authentication mechanisms that allow attackers to bypass authentication.

• Examples:

  • Weak or default passwords.

  • Lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA).

• Mitigations:

  • Enforce strong password policies.

  • Implement MFA wherever possible.

  • Use secure session management practices.

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8. Software and Data Integrity Failures

• Description: Inadequate integrity checks on software or data, allowing tampering or injection of malicious code.

• Examples:

  • Lack of digital signatures for software updates.

  • Using unverified plugins or dependencies.

• Mitigations:

  • Sign and verify software packages.

  • Use Content Security Policies (CSPs) to prevent malicious script execution.

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9. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures

• Description: Insufficient logging and monitoring, leading to delayed detection and response to security incidents.

• Examples:

  • Lack of logs for important events like logins or data changes.

  • Logs not monitored or analyzed for anomalies.

• Mitigations:

  • Implement centralized logging and monitoring solutions.

  • Conduct regular log reviews.

  • Set up alerts for unusual activities.

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10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

• Description: When a server fetches resources from a malicious source, often bypassing firewalls or security measures.

• Examples:

  • Sending requests to internal resources via a vulnerable URL input.

• Mitigations:

  • Restrict outbound traffic to approved destinations.

  • Validate and sanitize all user-controlled URLs.

  • Monitor and block unexpected outbound requests.