Explore the top web application vulnerabilities including SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, and more. Learn how to identify risks and protect your web apps from common security threats.
Last Updated: May 21, 2025
📘 Download Free Ebook: Grow Your Business with Digital MarketingIn today’s digital age, web applications are an essential part of everyday life, from online banking and e-commerce to social media and cloud services. However, the increasing reliance on web applications has also made them prime targets for cyberattacks. Understanding web application vulnerabilities is crucial for developers, security professionals, and business owners alike to protect sensitive data and maintain user trust.
This article provides a comprehensive list of common web application vulnerabilities, explaining what they are, how they work, and what you can do to mitigate their risks.
SQL Injection occurs when an attacker inserts malicious SQL code into input fields to manipulate a database query. This can lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, or even full database compromise.
If user input is not properly sanitized and directly embedded into SQL queries, attackers can craft input that changes the query’s logic.
XSS vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts run in the victim’s browser, leading to session hijacking, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites.
CSRF tricks a logged-in user into submitting malicious requests to a web application without their knowledge. This can cause unintended actions such as changing account settings or making purchases.
Attackers create a malicious webpage or email that automatically submits requests on behalf of the victim’s authenticated session.
IDOR occurs when an application exposes internal objects such as files or database entries via user-controlled input without proper authorization checks.
If a URL contains a predictable identifier attackers can manipulate it to access unauthorized data.
Security misconfiguration covers a broad range of issues where default configurations, unnecessary features, or poorly maintained settings lead to vulnerabilities.
Sensitive data exposure happens when applications do not adequately protect sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, or personal details.
Broken authentication vulnerabilities allow attackers to compromise passwords, keys, or session tokens to impersonate users.
Many applications use third-party libraries or frameworks. Using outdated or vulnerable components can expose your application to attacks.
If you do not keep dependencies updated, attackers can exploit known security flaws.
Without proper logging and monitoring, attacks may go unnoticed, making incident response difficult or impossible.
Attackers often exploit this gap to maintain persistence or cover tracks.
SSRF vulnerabilities allow attackers to make the server perform requests to internal or external systems on behalf of the attacker.
If user input controls URLs or network requests without validation, attackers can abuse the server to scan internal networks or access cloud metadata services.
Web applications are complex, and vulnerabilities can appear in many forms. The key to securing your application is a layered approach: carefully validate inputs, sanitize outputs, apply strict access controls, keep software updated, and monitor for suspicious activity.
Implementing these best practices and staying informed about emerging threats will help protect your applications and user data from common web vulnerabilities.
