The OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) Top 10 is a list of the most common and most critical web application vulnerabilities. The list is compiled and maintained by the OWASP Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes web application security.
The OWASP Top 10 is designed to provide web developers, security professionals, and organizations with a prioritized list of the most critical web application vulnerabilities. The list is updated every three to four years to reflect the current state of web application security.
The list version of the OWASP Top 10, released in 2017, includes the following vulnerabilities:
1. Injection: This vulnerability occurs when user input is not properly validated and is passed directly to a system command or database query, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or manipulate data.
2. Broken Authentication and Session Management: This vulnerability occurs when authentication and session management controls are improperly implemented, allowing an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the system.
3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): This vulnerability occurs when user input is not properly validated and is returned to the user's browser, allowing an attacker to inject malicious code that is executed by the browser.
4. Insecure Direct Object References: This vulnerability occurs when an application references an object directly, such as a file or database record, without proper validation, allowing an attacker to access unauthorized objects.
5. Security Misconfiguration: This vulnerability occurs when an application is misconfigured, exposing it to potential attacks.
6. Sensitive Data Exposure: This vulnerability occurs when sensitive data, such as passwords or credit card numbers, is transmitted in an insecure manner or stored in an insecure location.
7. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): This vulnerability occurs when an attacker tricks a user into making an unauthorized request to a website, potentially allowing the attacker to perform actions on behalf of the user.
8. Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities: This vulnerability occurs when an application uses third-party components that have known vulnerabilities, exposing the application to potential attacks.
9. Insufficient Logging and Monitoring: This vulnerability occurs when an application does not adequately log and monitor security events, making it difficult to detect and respond to potential attacks.
10. Failure to Restrict URL Access: This vulnerability occurs when an application does not properly restrict access to specific URLs, potentially allowing unauthorized users to access restricted resources.
By understanding and addressing these vulnerabilities, organizations can significantly improve the security of their web applications and protect against potential attacks.