What is the OWASP Top 10?
The OWASP Top 10 is a regularly updated report outlining the ten most critical web application security risks. Compiled by security experts from around the world, it serves as a guide for organizations to understand and prioritize potential threats.
The list helps developers, security professionals, and organizations focus on mitigating the most prevalent and dangerous vulnerabilities in web applications. The goal is to raise awareness and improve the overall security posture of web applications.
Following are the Top 10 security risks reported in the OWASP 2017 report:
Injection
Injection vulnerabilities occur when untrusted data is sent to an interpreter as part of a command or query. This can lead to attackers executing unintended commands, accessing sensitive data, or manipulating the application's behavior.
Broken Authentication
Broken Authentication vulnerabilities allow attackers to compromise user credentials, session tokens, or keys, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information. It often results from weak password policies or flawed authentication mechanisms.
Sensitive Data Exposure
Sensitive Data Exposure involves exposing critical information such as passwords or credit card numbers. This occurs when applications fail to properly encrypt or protect sensitive data, making it vulnerable to unauthorized access.
XML External Entities (XXE)
XXE attacks target vulnerabilities in XML processors, enabling attackers to manipulate or access internal files and services. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive information, denial of service, or remote code execution.
Broken Access Control
Broken Access Control vulnerabilities allow unauthorized users to access privileged functionalities or sensitive data. It arises when an application doesn't properly enforce access restrictions, leading to unauthorized operations.
Security Misconfiguration
Security Misconfiguration occurs when systems are not securely configured, leaving vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. It includes default settings, unnecessary features, or open cloud storage.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS involves injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities to execute scripts in the context of a user's browser, leading to theft of sensitive data or session hijacking.
Insecure Deserialization
Insecure Deserialization vulnerabilities arise when applications incorrectly handle serialized data. Attackers can manipulate serialized objects to execute arbitrary code, leading to various attacks like remote code execution or privilege escalation.
Using Components With Known Vulnerabilities
This risk arises when applications use outdated or vulnerable third-party components. Attackers exploit known vulnerabilities in libraries, frameworks, or other software, compromising the overall security of the application.
Insufficient Logging And Monitoring
Inadequate logging and monitoring make it difficult to detect and respond to security incidents. Without proper logs and monitoring, attackers can perform malicious activities without being detected, prolonging the time it takes to identify and mitigate threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OWASP Top 10?
The OWASP Top 10 is a list of the most critical web application security risks, providing guidance to developers and security professionals on common vulnerabilities.
What is Google OWASP Top 10?
The Google OWASP top 10 are Injection, Broken Authentication, Sensitive Data Exposure, XML External Entities (XEE), Broken Access Control, Security, Misconfiguration, Cross-Site Scripting, Insecure Deserialization, Using Components With Known Vulnerabilities, and Insufficient Logging And Monitoring.
What is the Owasp standard?
The OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) standard comprises resources, tools, and best practices aimed at improving software security. It includes projects, guides, and the well-known OWASP Top 10.
Conclusion
The OWASP Top 10 is a pivotal resource in the realm of web application security, providing a roadmap for organizations and developers to enhance the security posture of their web applications. Its enduring significance lies in its ability to evolve and address the changing landscape of web security threats, thereby playing a crucial role in fostering a safer digital environment.
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