Web application security is one of the most crucial pillars for protecting sensitive data and enterprise systems. To help developers, security teams, and organizations understand the biggest threats, the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) periodically publishes the OWASP Top 10—a regularly updated list of the most significant vulnerabilities affecting web applications.
With the 2025 edition, the list reflects emerging threats and modern challenges in an increasingly connected world. In this article, we explore each of these vulnerabilities and how to mitigate them to strengthen your application.
OWASP Top 10 – 2025
1. Broken Access Control
Access control continues to lead the list of threats. Failures in this area allow attackers to access resources or data without proper authorization.
- Example: Users accessing other customers’ data or administrative functions.
- Mitigation: Implement strict authorization controls and perform access testing at all levels of the application.
2. Cryptographic Failures
Vulnerabilities in cryptographic algorithms or their implementation can expose sensitive data.
- Example: Use of deprecated algorithms such as MD5 or outdated TLS versions.
- Mitigation: Adopt modern encryption methods and validate their implementation regularly.
3. Injection Attacks
Injection attacks, including SQL, NoSQL, and OS command injection, remain relevant due to poor input validation.
- Example: Inserting malicious code into input fields.
- Mitigation: Use parameterized queries and validate all user inputs.
4. Insecure Design
A new addition to the list, this category highlights the importance of designing secure applications from the ground up.
- Example: Lack of protections against common attacks at the design stage.
- Mitigation: Conduct Threat Modeling throughout the software development lifecycle.
5. Security Misconfiguration
Incorrect or overly permissive configurations can expose systems to attacks.
- Example: Exposing internal APIs without proper authentication.
- Mitigation: Regularly review configurations and automate validation processes.
6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components
Outdated libraries or frameworks often contain known vulnerabilities.
- Example: Using older versions of libraries like Log4j.
- Mitigation: Monitor known vulnerabilities and update dependencies regularly.
7. Identification and Authentication Failures
Weak authentication mechanisms continue to be exploited by attackers to compromise accounts.
- Example: Allowing weak or reused passwords.
- Mitigation: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and enforce strong password policies.
8. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures
Lack of effective monitoring can delay the detection of an attack or failure.
- Example: Absence of detailed logs or real-time monitoring.
- Mitigation: Adopt centralized monitoring solutions and review logs regularly.
9. Sensitive Data Exposure
Poorly protected data remains a primary target for cybercriminals.
- Example: Storing passwords in plaintext.
- Mitigation: Use strong encryption for storing and transmitting sensitive data.
10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
APIs are often misconfigured, exposing internal systems to exploitation.
- Example: Allowing excessive requests without proper validation.
- Mitigation: Implement strict validation and access control for APIs.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity should not be treated as the final step of development but rather as a continuous process. The OWASP Top 10 – 2025 highlights modern challenges faced by businesses and emphasizes the necessity of strong security practices.
HackerSec specializes in offensive cybersecurity and can help your organization identify and mitigate these vulnerabilities efficiently. Learn more about our services at: https://hackersec.com/en/services/
By conducting regular penetration tests and continuously updating your applications, your company will be better prepared to handle security risks in an increasingly complex digital environment.