APIs are the backbone of modern applications, enabling seamless communication between systems. However, their increasing usage has also led to rising security risks. The OWASP API Security Top 10 is a vital framework that highlights evolving API vulnerabilities and best practices to mitigate them. Understanding these security risks is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining application integrity.
Here are the 10 most critical updates in the OWASP API Security Top 10 that every organization must be aware of:
Key Updates in OWASP API Security Top 10
Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA)
Broken Object-Level Authorization (BOLA) is a major API security risk. This vulnerability occurs when the API fails to determine whether the user has proper access to the object requested. Attackers exploit this defect to access unauthorized data, manipulate user information, and launch attacks that compromise sensitive business information. Applying strict access controls, appropriate authority checks, and object-level security verification can help reduce this risk.
Broken Authentication
Broken authentication is a major concern as the weak authentication mechanisms expose APIs to credential stuffing, brute-force attacks, and session hijacking. API must implement strong authentication methods including multi-factor authentication (MFA), secure session management, and encrypted API keys. Organizations should also implement rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Broken Object Property Level Authorization (BOPLA)
The Broken Object Property Level Authority (BOPLA) is another emerging API security risk. This occurs when an API fails to restrict access to specific object properties, allowing attackers to reach or modify sensitive areas. To stop unauthorized data exposure from happening, appropriate implementation of field-level security, input validation, and role-based access control (RBAC) is necessary.
Unrestricted Resource Consumption
Unrestricted resource consumption affects API performance, leading to increased service and operational costs. Attackers exploit this vulnerability to launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks by consuming excessive CPU, memory, or bandwidth. Implementing rate limiting, resource quotas, and API throttling mechanisms helps prevent resource exhaustion and ensure API availability for legitimate users.
Broken Function Level Authorization
Broken Function-Level Authority arises when an API fails to apply functional-level access control. This allows attackers to execute unauthorized administrative actions, modify user privileges, or access restricted functionalities. Organizations should adopt least privilege access principles, implement strong authentication for critical functions, and apply appropriate API authority policies.
Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows
Unrestricted access to sensitive business flows can lead to serious security breaches. APIs that handle financial transactions, supply chain operations, or customer data require strict access checks to prevent malicious players from exploiting business logic. Implementing workflow security, authorization checks, and enforcing business rules help curb this risk.
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
Server-side request forgery remains a significant threat. Attackers can manipulate API requests to access internal and external resources, resulting in unauthorized data that can lead to exposure, internal network access, and service abuse. To combat SSRF attacks, organizations must apply strict input validation, enforce an allowlist for outgoing requests, and apply proper network segmentation.
Security Misconfiguration
Security misconfigurations expose APIs to unauthorized access, data leaks, and exploitation. Common issues include default credentials, excessively permissive CORS settings, and verbose error messages that disclose sensitive system details. Organizations need regular security audits, secure API configurations, and to ensure that only necessary permissions and endpoints are exposed.
Improper Inventory Management
Inadequate API inventory management leads to outdated, undocumented, or shadow APIs that hackers exploit. Without proper version control and monitoring, the legacy endpoints can expose critical vulnerabilities. Organizations must maintain an up-to-date API inventory, implement robust API life cycle management and continuously monitor depreciated endpoints.
Unsafe Consumption of APIs
The unsafe consumption of the third-party API consists of risks such as data leaks, injection attacks, and unauthorized transactions. Relying on the external API without validating your responses can lead to security violations. Organizations should apply strict input sanitizations, apply API security policies, and validate external API reactions to prevent malicious data manipulation.
Enhancing API Security with Prophaze’s Advanced Solutions
With the rapid adoption of APIs, securing them against evolving threats has become essential. The OWASP API Security Top 10 outlines risks such as broken authentication, authorization flaws, and security misconfigurations, highlighting the necessity for proactive defenses.
Prophaze’s AI-driven API security solutions provide robust protection with advanced authentication, granular access controls, rate limiting, and real-time threat monitoring. By utilizing Prophaze’s cutting-edge security platform, organizations can protect their APIs, prevent breaches, and stay ahead of emerging threats. Schedule a demo or meeting with Prophaze to evaluate your API security risks and implement the right defense strategy.
