Web application vulnerabilities exposed: Aligning with OWASP Top 10 for better security

On a regular basis, we ask one of our employees to write an article on a topic around cybersecurity that they relate to a lot. This time, Kateryna Guselnykova has written an article on Web Application Scanning. One of the services we deliver.

Introduction

With cyber threats evolving rapidly, web applications now rank among the most vulnerable assets within a business’s digital ecosystem. Misconfigurations, outdated software libraries, and weak security protocols may seem minor at first, yet they create opportunities for data breaches, unauthorized access, and service disruptions. What are the most common vulnerabilities found in web applications, and how can scanning reveal these hidden security gaps? In this article, we’ll explore key examples of real-world vulnerabilities and show how thorough scanning can fortify your applications against today’s most pressing risks.

Key vulnerabilities and alignment with OWASP Top 10

In our web application scans, we have detected vulnerabilities that closely mirror the critical risks outlined in the OWASP Top 10, the industry-standard list of the most pressing security risks. These include security misconfigurations like missing or weak HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) and Content Security Policies (CSP), which fall under OWASP’s category of Security Misconfiguration. Without proper HSTS, applications are vulnerable to downgrade attacks, while weak or missing CSPs open doors for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and data injection attacks.

Our scans also frequently reveal outdated or vulnerable components, such as legacy versions of jQuery, Bootstrap, and WordPress plugins, which align with OWASP’s Vulnerable and Outdated Components category. These outdated libraries often contain known vulnerabilities, like Prototype Pollution and XSS, that attackers can exploit for unauthorized access or malicious code execution. Additionally, SQL Injection vulnerabilities – a serious OWASP-listed risk – have been identified, where untrusted data is used to manipulate backend databases, potentially leading to data theft or loss.

We’ve also detected cryptographic failures in the form of weak SSL/TLS configurations, such as the use of outdated protocols (TLS 1.0, TLS 1.1) and weak cipher suites, which leave encrypted communications susceptible to interception. Finally, other vulnerabilities, such as information disclosure through insecure HTTP headers, further underscore how overlooked configurations can expose sensitive data to attackers.

By aligning our findings to the OWASP Top 10, we underline the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities proactively. Each misconfiguration, outdated component, and weak protocol represents a critical risk that, if left unmitigated, could serve as a point of entry for cyber threats. A comprehensive web application scan helps identify and resolve these issues, strengthening your overall security position.

Web application vulnerabilities are a direct line to chaos. One weak SSL configuration, a missing security policy, or an outdated library is all it takes for attackers to tear through your defenses, leaving breaches, reputation damage, and steep costs in their wake. A rigorous web application scan doesn’t just uncover these ticking time bombs – it hands you the intel to neutralize them on the spot. By flagging gaps like missing HSTS policies, weak SSL, and neglected software updates, our scanning tools make sure your web applications are locked down and resilient. The bottom line is clear: vulnerabilities are everywhere, but they’re yours to fix. Proactive scanning is how you take control, hardening your environment before attackers even have a chance. Proactive scanning of your web applications is the first step towards a stronger, more resilient security posture.

At Access42, we specialize in continuous vulnerability scanning of complete IT- / OT- security environments, with a particular focus on web applications. Our advanced scanning tools identify and mitigate potential threats before they can be exploited, ensuring your systems remain secure and resilient. For many of our customers we offer this as a full-blown Managed Security service.

For more information on how we can help protect your digital assets, contact us at sales@access42 or call us at 088 0002000.