OWASP Top 10

Web application security is one of the most important elements of cybersecurity. The increasing number of attacks on applications, APIs and external components means that organizations must constantly monitor security risks and develop effective defense mechanisms. One of the most important standards helping to identify the most common vulnerabilities remains OWASP Top 10.

What is OWASP Top 10?

OWASP Top 10 is a list prepared by OWASP of the most common web application vulnerabilities and application security threats. The document serves as a widely used reference point for developers, testers and security specialists around the world.

OWASP Top 10      helps organizations identify the most important security risks and design effective security measures already at the application development stage. The list includes, among others: Injection attacks, authentication failures, security misconfigurations, and software and data integrity issues.

OWASP Top 10: 2025 – what has changed compared to 2021?

One of the most important changes in the OWASP Top 10:2025 is the promotion of the Security Misconfiguration category from fifth to second place, which shows the growing importance of problems related to the misconfiguration of systems and applications.

The new version also includes two new categories: Software Supply Chain Failures related to software supply chain security and Mishandling of Exceptional Conditions regarding incorrect exception handling and incorrect management of application errors.

The approach to SSRF has also changed – the A10 category from 2021 was included in Broken Access Control in 2025. This highlights the importance of access control and limiting unauthorized user activities.

List of the most important risks according to OWASP Top 10: 2025

A01: Broken Access Control

Improper access control allows users to perform actions that exceed their permissions. These types of issues can lead to unauthorized access to data, escalation of privileges, and takeover of user accounts. SSRF threats are also included in this category.

A02: Security Misconfiguration

Incorrect security configuration remains one of the most common causes of web application vulnerabilities. The problems concern improper configuration of applications, services, cloud, servers or security.

A03: Software Supply Chain Failures

The new software supply chain security category includes vulnerabilities resulting from the use of untrusted libraries, vulnerable components and errors in CI/CD processes. Software and data integrity are of great importance here.

A04: Cryptographic Failures

Cryptographic errors can lead to data disclosure, session hijacking, or weakened information protection mechanisms. This includes, among others: about improper encryption, weak cryptographic algorithms and incorrect key management.

A05: Injection

Injection attacks involve injecting code or commands into applications. The most famous examples include SQL Injection and Command Injection. Improper validation of user data can lead to application hijacking or data theft.

A06: Insecure Design

This category focuses on the risks associated with design and architectural defects. Insecure Design refers to the lack of appropriate security mechanisms already at the application development stage. The problem does not result from a single technical vulnerability, but from an inappropriate approach to security design, threat modeling and risk control.

The result may be vulnerabilities that allow for security circumvention, privilege escalation, or successful exploitation of other application vulnerabilities. Therefore, safe design practices, risk analysis and consideration of security at every stage of SSDLC are becoming increasingly important.

A07: Authentication Failures

Authentication and identity management failures can allow user accounts to be compromised or security bypassed. This area includes weak passwords, lack of MFA, and improper access reset mechanisms.

A08: Software or Data Integrity Failures

Software integrity issues include, but are not limited to: unsecured updates, lack of code verification and vulnerabilities in implementation processes. Threats may affect both applications and CI/CD infrastructure.

A09: Security Logging and Alerting Failures

Insufficient logging and monitoring make it difficult to detect security incidents and analyze the activities of cybercriminals. Please note the lack of activity monitoring, incomplete logs and incorrect alert configuration.

A10: Mishandling of Exceptional Conditions

The new category focuses on incorrect exception handling and unexpected application states. Improper error management can lead to the disclosure of technical information, destabilization of systems and increased application vulnerabilities.

How to use OWASP Top 10 when working on application security?

OWASP Top 10 helps organizations improve application security and more effectively identify security risks at the system design stage. The document can be     used during security design, threat modeling and vulnerability analysis.

In practice, OWASP Top 10      supports SSDLC consulting, penetration testing and cybersecurity audit of applications and infrastructure. Regular vulnerability analysis in accordance with OWASP allows you to reduce the risk of attacks and improve the application’s resistance to modern threats.

FAQ – OWASP Top 10