The OWASP Top 10 web security risks and how to mitigate them - 08/11/2023

The OWASP Top 10 Web Security Risks and How to Mitigate Them

As a software engineer, or tech enthusiast, understanding web security is key to the success of any project. The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) has identified the top 10 web security risks, and provides best practices to help mitigate them. In this post, we will discuss the OWASP Top 10, and how to apply best practices to help protect against these risks.

Injection

Injection flaws occur when malicious inputs are introduced, usually via user input. These malicious inputs can then be used to gain access to, or manipulate, databases. Common types of injection attacks include SQL, NoSQL, OS, LDAP and XPath injections.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate injection attacks is to use parameterized queries. By using parameters, you can ensure that no malicious user input is ever sent to the database. Additionally, it is a good idea to use an ORM if possible, as this can offer additional protection.

Broken Authentication

Broken authentication occurs when authentication systems are not properly implemented, or when they are misconfigured. This can lead to access control issues, as well as account takeovers, where malicious actors gain access to accounts that they don’t own.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate broken authentication is to ensure that your authentication system is properly implemented, and is regularly tested and monitored. Additionally, it is important to use strong passwords and encryption, as well as multi-factor authentication.

Cross Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross Site Scripting is a type of attack that exploits vulnerable webpages by injecting malicious JavaScript code. This code is then executed on the user’s browser, and can be used to gain access to their personal information, or to manipulate their browser.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate XSS attacks is to use a Content Security Policy (CSP). A CSP is a policy that will allow only certain types of content to be loaded on a webpage. Additionally, it is important to use context-sensitive output encoding, and to properly validate user input.

Insecure Deserialization

Insecure deserialization occurs when untrusted data is deserialized, and can lead to remote code execution. This can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data, or to manipulate databases.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate insecure deserialization is to use serialization protocols that are known to be secure. Additionally, it is important to use a whitelist approach when deserializing, and to properly validate user input.

Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities

Components such as libraries and frameworks can contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. It is important to keep these components updated, as new vulnerabilities can be discovered at any time.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate components with known vulnerabilities is to use a dependency checker, such as OWASP Dependency Checker. This tool will scan your codebase for any known vulnerabilities, and will alert you of any issues. Additionally, it is important to keep all components up to date, and to use source code scanning tools, such as OWASP Code Scanning Engine.

Insufficient Logging & Monitoring

Insufficient logging and monitoring can make it difficult to detect and respond to malicious activity. It is important to log all activities, and to monitor the logs for suspicious activity.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate insufficient logging and monitoring is to use a security information and event management (SIEM) solution. This will allow you to collect, monitor, and analyze all your logs in one place. Additionally, it is important to set up alerts for any suspicious activities, and to have a response plan in place for when an incident does occur.

Insecure Configuration

Insecure configuration occurs when applications are not properly configured, or when they are misconfigured. This can lead to access control issues, as well as remote code execution.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate insecure configuration is to use secure defaults. This means that all applications should be configured with the most secure settings possible. Additionally, it is important to use a secure configuration tool, such as OWASP Config Checker, to ensure that all configurations are secure.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is an attack that exploits web applications by tricking the user into performing an action that they did not intend. This can be used to gain access to sensitive data, or to manipulate databases.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate CSRF attacks is to use a CSRF token. A CSRF token is a unique identifier that is used to verify that a request is valid. Additionally, it is important to use HTTP only cookies, and to use a SameSite cookie attribute.

Unvalidated Redirects & Forwards

Unvalidated redirects and forwards occur when a user is allowed to enter a URL, which is then used as the destination for a redirect. This can be exploited by malicious actors to gain access to sensitive data, or to manipulate databases.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate unvalidated redirects and forwards is to use whitelists. This means that only certain URLs are allowed to be used as a redirect. Additionally, it is important to never use user input as the destination for a redirect, and to properly validate user input.

Security Misconfiguration

Security misconfiguration occurs when applications are not properly configured, or when they are misconfigured. This can lead to access control issues, as well as remote code execution.

Mitigation

The best way to mitigate security misconfiguration is to use secure defaults. This means that all applications should be configured with the most secure settings possible. Additionally, it is important to use a secure configuration tool, such as OWASP Config Checker, to ensure that all configurations are secure.

Conclusion

The OWASP Top 10 is a great way to identify and mitigate the most common web security risks. By implementing best practices, such as parameterized queries, secure configurations, and whitelists, you can help to protect your applications. Additionally, it is important to use security tools, such as OWASP Dependency Checker and OWASP Code Scanning Engine, to ensure that your applications are secure.