What is OWASP?

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is an online, open source, and non-profit organization that specializes in creating tools, methodologies, articles, and documentation about web application security. All of this information is freely available and the information is renowned to be practical and unbiased in nature. It also assists firms in developing, maintaining, and buying web applications based on the application’s level of trustworthiness. The OWASP is comprised of a pool of experts in various fields related to web application security across the globe.

OWASP seeks to decrease security risks

The OWASP primarily seeks to teach developers, businesses, and web designers about the numerous risks as well as vulnerabilities of common web applications. It serves as an interconnected forum where IT experts can develop expertise and reach a consensus on critical issues. Anyone can join the OWASP, and the organization publishes a series of documents on a periodic basis that are seen as vital markers in the field of web application security. The most famous of these documents is the OWASP Top Ten.

The OWASP Top Ten

The Top 10 is a document that represents a broad or universal consensus on critical security flaws in web applications. The Top 10 consists of errors that are common occurrences and are quite easy to exploit. They can often lead to malicious elements, stealing vital information, or damaging security systems due to minor flaws in a system. The top 10 list will be updated in August 2017 to reflect the latest threats to the security of web applications.

Here is the current list of the Top Ten in the order as listed by the OWASP:

Injection:

SQL injections and LDAP injections are possible when unvalidated data is received by an interpreter as an aspect of a query. These injection attacks are among the most common on the web.

Broken Authentication and Session Management:

This essentially refers to flaws in the security system protecting user authentication tools such as passwords, cookies, and keys. Attacks in this avenue can be used to takeover user identity.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):

XSS flaws spring out when any application relays unverified data to a web browser. This form of attack is carried out via the user’s browser.

Insecure Direct Object References:

A direct object reference typically arises when an IT professional exposes a particular reference to some form of internal implementation. Attackers can use these references to target sensitive data.

Security Misconfiguration:

With security settings for applications, web servers, platforms, database servers, and other relevant tools misconfigured, the system is weak. Always change defaults and update regularly.

Sensitive Data Exposure:

Data such as net-banking details and tax Ids is sensitive in nature and normally requires a greater degree of protection as most web applications do a poor job of protecting such data.

Missing Function Level Access Control:

Web applications must carry out access control checks on individual servers in order to verify requests. Failing to do so can lead to forged requests.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):

CSRF hacks typically force a user’s web browser to transmit forged or duplicit HTTP requests to an under threat application. During this attack, the vulnerable application is duped into thinking that these requests are legitimate.

Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities:

Poorly secured components such as frameworks typically function with all possible privileges. Hacking known vulnerabilities is after all how criminals conduct some serious attacks.

Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards:

Applications commonly relay webpages to and from users and on some occasions, such forwards then lead to unsafe places. Webmasters should properly validate redirects.