Modern web applications handle user data, business logic, and online services, which makes application security a major concern for organizations. To manage common security risks, many teams refer to the OWASP Top 10 as a widely recognized security reference.
Development teams, security teams, and organizations use this list during application design, development, testing, and security reviews. It helps teams understand common risks and apply security checks that reduce the chances of application compromise. In this blog, we will discuss the OWASP TOP 10 risk checklist –
1. A01:2025 – Broken Access Control
2. A02:2025 – Security Misconfiguration
3. A03:2025-Software Supply Chain Failures
4. A04:2025-Cryptographic Failures
5. A05:2025-Injection
6. A06:2025-Insecure Design
7. A07:2025 – Authentication Failures
8. A08:2025-Software or Data Integrity Failures
9. A09:2025-Security Logging and Alerting Failures
10. A10:2025 – Mishandling of Exceptional Conditions
OWASP Top 10 Checklist for Securing Modern Web Applications
Use this checklist to review whether a web application follows common security checks based on guidance from the OWASP Top 10.
1. Broken Access Control
- User roles and permissions are properly enforced
- Sensitive endpoints are restricted to authorized users
- Direct object references cannot expose other users’ data
- API endpoints validate access on the server side
- Admin functions are not accessible to normal users
2. Cryptography and Data Protection
- HTTPS is enforced across the entire application
- Sensitive data is encrypted during transmission
- Passwords are stored using secure hashing methods
- Encryption keys are stored securely
- Sensitive data is not exposed in logs or URLs
3. Injection Prevention
- All user inputs are validated on the server side
- Parameterized queries are used for database access
- APIs validate request inputs before processing
- Error messages do not expose database or system details
- File uploads and form inputs are properly sanitized
4. Secure Design
- Authentication and authorization flows are clearly defined
- Application logic prevents unauthorized actions
- Session management is properly implemented
- Security checks are included during application design
- Sensitive operations require proper verification
5. Security Configuration
- Default accounts and settings are removed or changed
- Unused services and ports are disabled
- Application frameworks are securely configured
- Security headers are enabled
- Debug mode is disabled in production
6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components
- All libraries and frameworks are tracked
- Outdated dependencies are identified
- Security updates are applied regularly
- Unused components are removed
- Third-party packages come from trusted sources
7. Authentication and Session Management
- Strong password requirements are enforced
- Multi-factor authentication is enabled where required
- Sessions expire after inactivity
- Session tokens are securely generated and stored
- Login attempts are limited to prevent brute-force attacks
8. Software and Data Integrity
- Application updates are verified before installation
- Dependencies are downloaded from trusted repositories
- Build and deployment pipelines are monitored
- Code repositories have proper access controls
- Unauthorized changes to application files are detected
9. Security Logging and Monitoring
- Authentication attempts are logged
- Access to sensitive resources is recorded
- Suspicious behavior triggers alerts
- Logs are stored securely
- Logs are reviewed regularly
10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
- Server requests are restricted to trusted destinations
- External URLs are validated before processing
- Access to internal network services is blocked
- Application requests cannot reach metadata services
- Outbound request behavior is monitored
OWASP Top 10 Security Risks Explained
The OWASP Top 10 is a list of the most common security risks found in web applications. It highlights issues such as broken access control, injection flaws, weak authentication, and misconfigurations that can expose applications to attacks.
1. Broken Access Control Checks
Access control defines what a user is allowed to view or modify in an application. During security reviews, it is important to verify that user roles and permissions are correctly enforced. Sensitive endpoints should only be accessible to authorized users. Testing should also check for insecure direct object references, where attackers try to access data by changing IDs or parameters in requests.
2. Cryptography and Data Protection Checks
Applications must protect sensitive information such as passwords, personal data, and financial details. Security checks should confirm that strong encryption methods are used when storing or transmitting sensitive data. Key storage should be protected and limited to authorized systems. It is also important to verify that HTTPS is enforced across the application to protect data in transit.
3. Injection Prevention Checks
Injection issues occur when user input is not properly validated and is interpreted as commands by the application or database. Security checks should confirm that all user inputs are validated and sanitized before processing. Parameterized queries should be used for database operations. APIs and backend queries must also be reviewed to ensure that user input cannot alter database commands.
4. Secure Design Checks
Security should be considered during the application design stage. Reviews should examine authentication and authorization flows to ensure users can only access allowed functions. Session management logic must handle user sessions securely and prevent session misuse. The overall application architecture should follow secure design practices to reduce the chances of access or logic issues.
5. Security Configuration Checks
Incorrect configuration can expose applications and servers to unnecessary risk. Security reviews should confirm that default accounts and settings are removed or changed. Unused services should be disabled to reduce exposure. Server settings, frameworks, and application configurations must be reviewed to confirm that security controls are correctly applied.
6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components Checks
Applications often rely on third-party libraries and frameworks. If these components are outdated, they may contain known vulnerabilities. Security checks should identify all libraries and frameworks used by the application. Teams should track software versions and apply updates when security fixes become available.
7. Authentication and Session Management Checks
User authentication controls access to the application. Security testing should confirm that password policies are enforced, and weak passwords are not allowed. Multi-factor authentication should be enabled where possible to add another layer of verification. Session handling must also be checked to ensure tokens expire properly and cannot be reused by unauthorized users.
8. Software and Data Integrity Checks
Applications should verify the integrity of software updates and data transfers. Security checks should confirm that application packages and updates are validated before installation. Dependencies should be downloaded only from trusted sources. Build and deployment pipelines should also be monitored to detect unauthorized modifications.
9. Security Logging and Monitoring Checks
Logging helps detect suspicious activity and supports investigation when issues occur. Applications should log authentication attempts, access events, and security-related actions. Monitoring systems should track unusual behavior and alert security teams when necessary. Logs must also be stored securely and reviewed regularly.
10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) Checks
Server-side request forgery occurs when attackers trick an application into making requests to unintended systems. Security checks should ensure that server requests are limited to trusted destinations. All URLs and external request inputs must be validated. Applications should also block access to internal services through user-controlled requests.
How to Use the OWASP Top 10 Checklist During Security Testing?
The OWASP Top 10 checklist helps teams review web applications in a structured way in the following ways.
- During code reviews, developers can check whether inputs are validated, access controls are enforced, and sensitive data is properly protected.
- Security teams use the checklist during security assessments to review application design, configuration, and dependencies.
- During penetration testing, testers actively attempt to access restricted functions, manipulate inputs, and interact with APIs to confirm whether these risks exist in the application.
Web Application Security Testing Helps Identify OWASP Top 10 Risks
Web application penetration testing simulates how an attacker interacts with the application. Professional Pentesters like those of Peneto Labs examine authentication flows, APIs, input handling, and configuration settings to find weaknesses. This process helps organizations identify issues early and apply fixes before applications are widely used.
Peneto Labs performs detailed web application security testing to identify risks related to the OWASP Top 10. Peneto Labs has been empanelled by CERT-In to conduct information security auditing services. Our expert team tests web applications and maps findings to the OWASP 10 framework. We provide clear reports, remediation guidance along with FREE retesting to help development teams address issues and improve application security.
What’s Next?
Organizations should regularly review their web applications against the OWASP Top 10 checklist. This can include secure coding reviews, dependency tracking, configuration checks, and regular security testing. Combining development reviews with independent security assessments helps teams maintain safer applications over time.
Planning for a web application penetration test? Talk to Peneto Labs today!