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Every application is susceptible to attacks, but web applications are more vulnerable than others. They interact with more networks and users—and every interaction is a risk. Any flaws or errors can lead to serious problems like unauthorized access, stolen data, and service disruptions. Whether you run a small team or manage a large organization, staying ahead of web application vulnerabilities keeps your software secure.
Here’s a guide to the basics of web application security vulnerabilities—what they are, common types, and the best ways to mitigate them.
What’s a Web Application Vulnerability?
A web application vulnerability is a flaw in an application’s code or configuration that makes it susceptible to potential attacks. These weaknesses often result from mistakes in the application’s design, coding, or deployment. For example, it might lack proper security controls in a certain container, making it easier for attackers to bypass authentication or inject malicious code.
The stakes are high. In 2024, the global average data breach cost reached $4.88 million—a 10% increase from 2023. A vulnerable web app can lead to financial losses, operational disruptions, and a serious erosion of trust. Identifying and addressing these flaws early through rigorous code review and security testing can significantly reduce risk.
Why Is Web Application Security Important?
Applications play a central role in your organization. They store sensitive data, handle critical operations, and connect users to essential services. But with greater dependency comes greater risk, and a single insecure component can be a gateway for attackers to exploit. This is even more important when your company is providing an application or service to a customer base.
Investing in application security and robust vulnerability management protects your organization and customers. When you proactively address potential vulnerabilities, you reduce the risk of breaches, save time and resources on damage control, and boost compliance with industry regulations. Misconfigurations and unpatched systems are among the leading causes of security incidents, but with strong application security strategies, these risks are greatly reduced.
8 Common Types of Web Security Vulnerabilities
Understanding common web and software application vulnerabilities is the first step toward preventing them. Here are some of the most prevalent ones that attackers often exploit:
1. SQL Injection Attacks
SQL injection occurs when attackers insert malicious SQL statements into a query, tricking the application into executing unintended commands. This injection can lead to unauthorized access, database manipulation, or complete system compromise.
2. Cross-Site Scripting
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web pages users access. These scripts can steal sensitive user data, like login credentials, or manipulate the user experience.
3. Broken Authentication
Weak or improperly implemented authentication mechanisms can enable attackers to bypass login systems and gain unauthorized access to applications. Attackers often exploit this type of vulnerability to steal credentials or escalate privileges.
4. XML External Entity Attacks
XML external entity (XXE) attacks exploit flaws in XML parsers. Attackers use this method to access sensitive files, execute remote code, or launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
5. Insecure Direct Object References
Insecure direct object references (IDOR) occur when an application exposes internal objects, like files or database entries, without proper access controls. Attackers can manipulate references to access restricted information.
6. Misconfigurations
Misconfigured servers, APIs, or security settings can expose sensitive information or reveal unintended access points. Misconfigurations include issues like failing to change default passwords or enabling unnecessary features.
7. Unpatched Software
Outdated software often contains known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit, making timely patching critical. Beyond direct risks, unpatched software can expose your organization to software supply chain vulnerabilities. Attackers might target third-party libraries, frameworks, or dependencies within your applications to compromise your system.
8. Cross-Site Request Forgery
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) tricks authenticated users into executing unwanted actions on behalf of an attacker. This can lead to unauthorized transactions or data modifications.
7 Ways to Remediate Application Vulnerabilities
Whether leveraging external expertise through bug bounty programs, limiting failed login attempts, or enhancing your monitoring capabilities, each measure is critical in safeguarding your software.
Here are some key strategies and best practices to secure your applications and minimize risk:
1. Implement a Bug Bounty Program
Bug bounty programs invite ethical hackers, sometimes known as bug hunters, to identify and report vulnerabilities in your applications before attackers can exploit them. Platforms like Bugcrowd and HackerOne connect your organization with skilled researchers worldwide, offering access to diverse expertise that complements your internal team.
2. Limit Failed Login Attempts
Restricting the number of failed login attempts is a simple yet effective way to mitigate brute-force attacks. For example, implement account lockouts after a set number of failed attempts or use CAPTCHAs to differentiate between bots and legitimate users. Combining these measures with multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides additional layers of security.
3. Secure Roles and Authorizations
Enforce the principle of least privilege by ensuring that users, systems, and applications have only the minimum access they need. Cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Azure allow detailed role-based access control (RBAC) configurations, so take advantage of them. Regularly auditing access permissions and revoking unused accounts are good places to start, and many companies integrate tools like Microsoft Identity Manager for centralized role and authorization management.
4. Conduct Penetration Testing
Penetration testing simulates real-world attack scenarios to identify vulnerabilities and assess your application’s resilience. It can uncover web app vulnerabilities, database weaknesses, and authentication system errors—just to name a few. Pair tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and OWASP ZAP with professional pentesting services to evaluate your application’s security as thoroughly as possible.
5. Enhance Logging and Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and detailed logging help detect and respond to suspicious activity in real time. Splunk, Datadog, and Elastic Security are good options for their centralized logging and anomaly detection capabilities. Swiftly mitigate breaches by monitoring events like failed login attempts and unauthorized data access.
6. Stay Updated With Patch Management
Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for attackers. Establish an automated patch management process to make sure your applications, libraries, and frameworks stay current with the latest security fixes.
7. Scan your Code for Vulnerabilities
Use a combination of code scanning tools like static analysis (SAST), dynamic analysis (DAST), and software composition analysis (SCA) to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.
Improve Your Application Vulnerability Management With Legit Security
Legit Security acts as the foundation of your application security program, visualizing your entire SDLC, and consolidating findings from your security tools to identify gaps and weaknesses. Legit Security integrates directly into your existing workflows, continuously monitoring for risks and testing security controls at every stage. Plus, our platform supports your efforts to comply with industry standards, ensuring your applications remain secure and adhere to regulatory requirements.
Protect your software and data while fostering a culture of proactive vulnerability management across your teams. Book a demo today.