The new OWASP API Security Top 10 for 2023 is here, with major changes to guide developers. Learn about the most critical risks and how to secure APIs.
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) has released its updated OWASP API Security Top 10 for 2023, a critical security awareness document identifying the most significant risks facing modern APIs. As APIs become central components in mobile, web, and cloud-native systems, this widely adopted guide provides an essential reference for developers, architects, and security auditors aiming to build more secure applications.
Key Changes in the 2023 Report
The 2023 list introduces several significant updates reflecting the evolving threat landscape. One major change is the introduction of ‘Broken Object Property Level Authorization’, a new category that consolidates vulnerabilities previously listed separately. It merges risks from ‘Excessive Data Exposure’ (formerly #3 in 2019) and ‘Mass Assignment’ (formerly #6 in 2019).
Another notable update is a new threat that has replaced ‘Mass Assignment’ at the number six position. This vulnerability arises when an API exposes a business flow without adequate controls to prevent automated, excessive use that could cause harm. However, not all categories have changed; ‘Broken Authentication’ has maintained its number two spot since 2019, while ‘Broken Object Level Authorization’ (BOLA), ‘Broken Function Level Authorization’ (BFLA), and ‘Security Misconfigurations’ also remain unchanged from the previous list.
Core Vulnerabilities and Expert Recommendations
The updated list underscores persistent threats that continue to challenge development teams. Prominent risks highlighted include Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA), which allows improper access to objects, and Unrestricted Resource Consumption, which can lead to Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. As one expert noted at a recent industry event, APIs are subject to a variety of attacks, from authorization failures to the rampant consumption of resources, making proactive security measures non-negotiable.
To combat these risks, security professionals recommend a multi-layered approach. Key strategies include implementing secure authentication and authorization mechanisms to ensure only verified users can consume the API. Experts also advise using non-predictable IDs like UUIDs to prevent attackers from inferring resource identifiers. Furthermore, implementing rate limiting and robust usage policies is crucial to prevent abuse and protect against resource consumption attacks. Other essential practices include practicing API version governance by disabling obsolete endpoints and conducting regular security testing, such as penetration tests and code reviews.
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