Security vulnerabilities in the APIs powering modern digital services and applications have become a significant threat to enterprise systems and data, according to a recent report from Wallarm. The report highlights a 21% increase in API-related flaws between the second and third quarters of this year, with nearly one-third associated with cloud infrastructure and cloud-native applications. Additionally, a high percentage of the vulnerabilities reviewed by Wallarm had severity scores of 7.5 or higher, indicating a growing risk for organizations using APIs.
Wallarm’s founder and CEO, Ivan Novikov, pointed out that API breaches in the third quarter were driven by authentication and authorization issues, leaked data, and classic injection attacks. Moreover, there has been a rise in client-side flaws like OAuth misconfigurations and cross-site issues, highlighting the need for increased focus on API security.
Despite the rise in API-related vulnerabilities, a study by Postman earlier this year found that only 37% of organizations have formally integrated security testing into their API life cycle management practices. This emphasizes the ongoing prioritization of API integration and functionality over security measures, leaving organizations at risk of malicious attacks targeting their APIs.
One of the major contributors to API security risks is misconfigured APIs. Issues such as inadequate authentication, authorization, input validation, and logging can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access to resources and data breaches. Implementing security best practices such as strict authorization checks, multifactor authentication, and server-side data filtering can help mitigate these risks and enhance overall API security.
Another significant challenge is poorly designed APIs, which can expose sensitive information or allow attackers to manipulate data. Business logic inconsistencies and inadequate error handling are common issues that can compromise API security. To address these vulnerabilities, organizations need to prioritize API design decisions and consider security implications during the development process.
Lack of visibility over API endpoints and traffic is also a pervasive problem, with many organizations lacking a comprehensive inventory of their APIs. By implementing proactive measures to discover and inspect APIs earlier in the development life cycle, organizations can enhance their security posture and reduce the likelihood of successful attacks targeting their APIs.
Furthermore, inadequate security testing and monitoring practices pose a significant risk to API security, with many organizations failing to prioritize API security adequately. Embracing API-first strategies and enforcing strict development processes can help organizations identify and address potential vulnerabilities early on, ultimately strengthening their API security posture.
In conclusion, addressing the growing challenges associated with API security requires a holistic approach that emphasizes proactive security measures, rigorous testing, and ongoing monitoring. By prioritizing API security and implementing best practices across the development life cycle, organizations can mitigate the risks posed by API-related vulnerabilities and safeguard their systems and data from potential threats.