OWASP Top 10 Security Risks 2021

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Questions and Answers

What is an effective mitigation strategy to prevent SQL injection attacks?

Implement robust data validation. (correct)

Use default database configurations.

Increase the size of the database.

Limit the number of user inputs.

What flaw does insecure design represent in application security?

Inconsistent data management practices.

Weak foundations leading to potential collapse. (correct)

Complex user authentication mechanisms.

Excessive encryption that complicates access.

What type of flaws does Broken Access Control primarily involve?

Unauthorized access to sensitive data (correct)

Weak encryption practices

Malicious code injection

Poor user interface design

Which situation best exemplifies Cryptographic Failures?

Using a simple lock on a treasure chest Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a common consequence of security misconfiguration?

Default settings leave systems exposed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice for managing insecure components in software?

Regularly update components and patch vulnerabilities promptly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the OWASP Top 10 primarily aimed at addressing?

Critical security risks for web applications Signup and view all the answers

How can organizations strengthen their authentication controls?

Implement multi-factor authentication. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended mitigation strategy for preventing Broken Access Control?

Regularly review and audit access controls Signup and view all the answers

What issue is caused by software and data integrity failures?

Potential manipulation of data or code. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an Injection vulnerability?

Malicious code is injected into user inputs Signup and view all the answers

How does OWASP refer to the OWASP Top 10?

An awareness document Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial to identify vulnerabilities during the software development lifecycle?

Integrating secure coding practices from the start. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken regarding outdated software components?

Identify known vulnerabilities and update promptly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of Cryptographic Failures?

Insecure key management or weak algorithms Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of not addressing Injection vulnerabilities?

Data leakage and compromised security Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mitigation strategy to prevent data tampering in a system?

Implement robust data validation and sanitization Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises from inadequate security logging and monitoring in an application?

Difficulty in detecting suspicious activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suggested mitigation for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)?

Use public APIs for all server interactions Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of broken access controls in an online banking application?

Customers may acquire unauthorized administrative access Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk of using weak encryption algorithms for sensitive data storage?

Easier exploitation by hackers to steal information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution?

Centralize and analyze security logs Signup and view all the answers

How can an intrusion detection system (IDS) contribute to application security?

By monitoring network traffic for signs of attacks Signup and view all the answers

What scenario exemplifies a cryptographic failure?

An e-commerce site uses weak encryption for credit card information Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of weak password policies in online platforms?

Ease of brute-force attacks Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a system lacks proper data integrity checks?

Tampering with information can go undetected Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a Security Logging and Monitoring failure?

Delayed identification of cyberattacks Signup and view all the answers

How do Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerabilities impact a web application?

They allow attackers to send requests to internal resources Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason behind the necessity of various tools in web security?

Tools need to be regularly updated and patched Signup and view all the answers

In the analogy of a bouncer allowing anyone with a specific shirt color, what does this represent in terms of authentication weaknesses?

Manipulation of entry criteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a GET request in HTTP?

To retrieve information without altering the server's state Signup and view all the answers

What can result from hackers tampering with patient medical records due to data integrity failures?

Incorrect diagnoses for patients Signup and view all the answers

Why is security monitoring akin to a house without security cameras?

It may allow threats to go unnoticed Signup and view all the answers

Which HTTP method should be used when you want to submit data for processing and potentially create a new resource?

POST Signup and view all the answers

What information is typically contained in the request headers of an HTTP request?

Client's browser information and types of accepted responses Signup and view all the answers

When is an HTTP request body included?

Included in POST or PUT requests Signup and view all the answers

What does the PUT method do in an HTTP request?

Updates or creates a specified resource on the server Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the HTTP request indicates the action to be performed?

Request Line Signup and view all the answers

What signifies the end of the headers section in an HTTP request?

A blank line Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the DELETE method in an HTTP request?

To remove a specified resource from the server Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

OWASP Overview

The Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) is a global community focused on enhancing software security, particularly in IoT, system software, and web applications.
It operates under a non-profit organization, The OWASP Foundation, providing free resources, including articles, methodologies, and tools.

OWASP Top 10 - 2021

The OWASP Top 10 is an updated report detailing the most critical web application security risks, derived from comprehensive data from over 40 partner organizations.
Classified as an “awareness document,” it aims to help companies mitigate security risks in their processes.

Key Risks in OWASP Top 10

Broken Access Control (A01:2021): Flaws that allow unauthorized access to sensitive data; mitigated by regular audits and proper role-based access controls.
Cryptographic Failures (A02:2021): Involves weak encryption and key management; strong algorithms and key rotation are essential for mitigation.
Injection (A03:2021): Malicious code injection presents a significant threat; mitigation involves robust data validation and using parameterized queries.
Insecure Design (A04:2021): Vulnerabilities due to poor application design; mitigated through secure coding practices and security reviews during development.
Security Misconfiguration (A05:2021): Result from improper settings or default configurations that weaken application security; regular reviews are crucial.
Vulnerable and Outdated Components (A06:2021): Risks arise from using known vulnerable components; implement dependency management and regular updates for security.
Identification and Authentication Failures (A07:2021): Weak authentication mechanisms such as simple passwords increase unauthorized access risks; enforce strong password policies.
Software and Data Integrity Failures (A08:2021): Lack of integrity checks allow for data tampering; implement robust validation and strong hashing algorithms.
Security Logging and Monitoring Failures (A09:2021): Insufficient security logging hampers detection of attacks; use a SIEM solution and deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS).
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) (A10:2021): Exploits that trick servers into unauthorized requests; stringent input validation and access controls are necessary for prevention.

Significance of Web Security

Web security is a multifaceted approach involving various tools and practices working cohesively to protect applications from vulnerabilities.
The communication between clients (like web browsers) and servers occurs through HTTP requests, highlighting the importance of secure request-response handling.

HTTP Request-Response Structure

Request Line: Begins with method (GET, POST, etc.), request URL, and HTTP version.
Request Headers: Provide metadata about the request, such as client information, accepted response types, and cookies.
Request Body: Optional, containing data sent to the server, particularly in POST or PUT requests.

HTTP Methods

GET: Retrieve data without altering the server's state.
POST: Send data to create or update resources on the server.
PUT: Update or create a resource based on provided data.
DELETE: Remove a specified resource from the server.

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Description

This quiz delves into the OWASP Top 10 report of 2021, highlighting the most significant web application security risks. Participants will learn about vulnerabilities like Broken Access Control and Cryptographic Failures, as well as strategies for mitigation. Gain crucial insights to enhance your understanding of software security practices.