The most important web application security threats are highlighted in the widely accepted OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) Top 5 list. The list has been used for more than 20 years to help corporations, security experts, and developers solve the most common vulnerabilities affecting online applications. The challenges that developers face are always changing along with the cybersecurity landscape. The latest OWASP Top 5’s new threats and vulnerabilities will be discussed in this blog, along with what developers should know to keep on top of the game.
Injection (A01:2021)
For many years, injection attacks—especially SQL injection—have been a constant danger. Attackers can execute unauthorized commands by inserting malicious code into an input field. Although SQL injection danger remains a worry, command injections and NoSQL injection threats are becoming more common. These flaws highlight the need for improved input validation and more secure query techniques by taking advantage of the way apps communicate with databases and external services.
What’s possible for developers:
• To avoid injection, use prepared statements and parameterized queries
• Reduce direct database interaction by implementing Object Relational Mapping (ORM) frameworks
• To reduce changing risks, patch and update all dependencies and components regularly
Authentication Broken (A02:2021)
One of the biggest reasons for security breaches is still broken authentication, which enables hackers to pose as authorized users. Even if brute force assaults and other traditional threats are still quite dangerous, session hijacking and credential stuffing are becoming more common. Many attackers can get around weaker authentication measures due to the widespread use of stolen credentials on dark web marketplaces.
What’s possible for developers:
• Whenever feasible, use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• To stop brute force attacks, make sure password restrictions are robust and incorporate features like rate-limiting
• Safe session management procedures, such as making sure session tokens expire quickly and utilizing HTTPS for all communications
Exposure to Sensitive Data (A03:2021)
As hackers target unprotected data, sensitive data exposure remains a major risk. Even while encryption is now commonplace, many developers still do not adequately secure important data. Cloud storage data leaks and unsecured APIs that reveal private user information are the new risks.
What’s possible for developers:
• Always encrypt critical information when it’s at rest and in transit (using TLS)
• Use encryption keys and access controls to protect cloud storage
• Put in place robust authorization and authentication methods for APIs
XML External Entities (XXE) (A04:2021)
Because of flaws in earlier XML parsers, XXE attacks are now again being monitored. When an application processes XML input that has a reference to an external entity, these assaults can result in Denial-of-Service(DoS) attacks or the disclosure of internal data.
What’s possible for developers:
• Turn off XML parsers’ processing of foreign entities
• Instead of XML, use libraries that don’t support XXE by default, such as JSON, for data communication
• To reduce known vulnerabilities, update XML parsers and other libraries regularly
Access Control Is Broken (A05:2021)
Because attackers take advantage of inappropriate limitations on user permissions, access control problems continue to result in serious breaches. Emerging threats concentrate on horizontal privilege escalation, which includes accessing data from other users with the same job, even though traditional dangers like privilege escalation still exist.
What’s possible for developers:
• To establish explicit access policies, use Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) or Role Based Access Control (RBAC)
• To guarantee that users only have access to the resources they require, apply the least privilege concept
• Regularly check for vulnerabilities in access control methods