The OWASP Top 10 is a list of the most critical security risks to web applications. It is updated periodically to reflect the latest threats and vulnerabilities. Here is the OWASP Top 10 as of 2024:

1. Broken Access Control
   • Description: Issues with access control can lead to unauthorized users gaining access to restricted resources or performing unauthorized actions. This includes issues like insufficient authorization checks, insecure direct object references, and improper access controls.
2. Cryptographic Failures
   • Description: Weaknesses in cryptography can lead to the exposure of sensitive data. This includes issues such as weak encryption algorithms, improper key management, and insufficient data protection.
3. Injection
   • Description: Vulnerabilities that allow attackers to send malicious data into an interpreter to execute unintended commands. Common types include SQL injection, Command injection, and LDAP injection.
4. Insecure Design
   • Description: Flaws in the design phase that lead to security weaknesses. This could include missing security controls or flawed architecture that fails to protect sensitive data or functionality.
5. Security Misconfiguration
   • Description: Poorly configured security settings or unpatched systems that expose vulnerabilities. This includes default settings, unnecessary services, and incomplete setups.
6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components
   • Description: Using components with known vulnerabilities or outdated versions can expose applications to attacks. This includes libraries, frameworks, and other software components.
7. Identification and Authentication Failures
   • Description: Weaknesses in the authentication mechanisms, such as improper implementation of login processes or failure to securely manage credentials. This can lead to unauthorized access.
8. Software and Data Integrity Failures
   • Description: Inadequate mechanisms to ensure the integrity of software and data. This includes issues like lack of checks for data modification, insecure software updates, and failure to verify data authenticity.
9. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures
   • Description: Inadequate logging and monitoring practices that fail to detect or respond to security incidents. This includes missing or insufficient logs, lack of monitoring for suspicious activity, and failure to respond to alerts.
10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
    • Description: Vulnerabilities that allow attackers to send malicious requests from the server-side to internal or external resources. This can lead to unauthorized access to internal services or data.

Key Takeaways:

• Broken Access Control and Cryptographic Failures are top priorities for security professionals to address.
• Regular updates and patching of components, along with proper logging and monitoring, are essential for maintaining security.
• Implementing robust authentication mechanisms and ensuring secure design and configuration are critical to mitigating these risks.