A security-focused code audit looks for the vulnerabilities that real attackers exploit. These include:
- Injection flaws: SQL, command, and LDAP injection.
- Broken or missing authentication: Weak session management and credential handling.
- Insecure access controls: Missing authorization checks and direct object reference flaws.
- Hardcoded credentials: API keys and passwords embedded in source code.
- Weak encryption: Incorrectly implemented or outdated cryptographic practices.
- Sensitive data exposure: PII logged in plain text, unencrypted data at rest.
- Vulnerable dependencies: Outdated third-party libraries with known CVEs.
- Security misconfiguration: Unsafe application settings and defaults.
- XSS and CSRF: Cross-site scripting and cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities.
- Insecure deserialization: Flaws that allow remote code execution or data tampering.
Many of these map directly to the OWASP Top 10, the industry-standard list of the most critical web application security risks.
Reference
OWASP Top Ten – OWASP Foundation – owasp.org