New Barracuda research shows that the average web application carries 20 security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers to steal data, compromise accounts or gain unauthorized access to systems. The findings are detailed in a new report, which also reveals that the most common vulnerabilities stem from preventable security misconfigurations and oversights.
Researchers analyzed hundreds of Barracuda Application Security Insight scans over five months in 2026. They identified seven key types of vulnerability, which between them represent approximately 90% of all the vulnerabilities detected.
These include:
● Information disclosure. Accounting for 25% of the security flaws detected, this is where the application reveals too much information about its systems, domains, hidden pages, routes or services. Attackers can use such data to map the target’s environment, identify weak points, discover hidden endpoints, find hidden admin areas and plan more targeted attacks – all while remaining undetected.
● Brand impersonation and spoofing. Accounting for 23% of the security flaws detected, these are weaknesses that make it easier for attackers to impersonate a trusted brand, website or domain and deceive users into sharing credentials or sensitive information. Attackers can use compromised identities to clone web pages, redirect users to malicious sites, steal logins or send believable phishing email using the brand.
● Client-side attacks (browser exploitation). These are weaknesses in how web pages display or execute content, allowing attackers to run malicious scripts in a user’s browser. Client-side attack exposure accounts for 14% of the security flaws detected, and attackers could exploit this to inject scripts (Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)), for example to steal session cookies, alter visible content, trick users into clicking hidden buttons or upload misleading files.
● Data exposure accounts for 10% of detected security flaws. This is where sensitive information is exposed unnecessarily through the application, for examples through webpages, APIs, logs, cookies, tracking scripts or misconfigured responses. Attackers can exploit this to collect personal data, tokens, private content, secrets or confidential business information, including emails and configuration settings; track users without their consent, and tamper with access controls and data retention policies.
● Completing the list are weak or missing encryption that allows attackers to intercept or manipulate traffic (accounting for 6% of flaws), outdated software or insecure configurations, (also 6%), and weaknesses in how user sessions are managed, and cookies and credentials are protected, (5%).
“Web applications are a critical interface for organizations – from website storefronts to interactive interfaces for customers, partners and operations. Keeping them secure is essential,” said Jesus Cordero-Guzman, Director, Solution Architects AppSec, NetSec & XDR International at Barracuda. “An average of 20 vulnerabilities per application means attackers have multiple opportunities to probe, test and exploit weaknesses. While not every issue is critical on its own, attackers often chain together several low- and medium-risk vulnerabilities to expose sensitive information, steal credentials or gain unauthorized access. Organizations need a proactive, layered approach to application security that continuously identifies and addresses risks before they can be exploited.”
To reduce web application risk, it is recommended that organizations:
● Regularly scan for vulnerabilities and security misconfigurations.
● Patch and update applications, frameworks and dependencies promptly.
● Minimize information disclosure and exposed sensitive data.
● Strengthen encryption, authentication and session security controls.
● Monitor web applications continuously for suspicious activity and emerging threats.
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