Which choice represents a top ten web application risk?

The choice that represents a top ten web application risk is broken authentication and session management. This risk is critical because it directly impacts how users interact with web applications, particularly concerning the security of user sessions and credentials. If authentication mechanisms are improperly implemented, attackers can take advantage of vulnerabilities to hijack user sessions or impersonate users. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and functionalities within the web application.

For instance, if session tokens are predictable or if they are not invalidated after logout, attackers might exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access. Strong authentication practices, such as enforcing robust password policies, implementing multi-factor authentication, and ensuring that sessions time out after a period of inactivity, are essential for mitigating the risks associated with broken authentication and session management. By focusing on this risk, organizations can significantly enhance the security of their web applications against a common threat faced in the digital landscape.