# A07:2025 - Authentication Failures

> Weaknesses in identity verification including MFA, session management, and credential handling.

- **Category**: Owasp Security
- **Subcategory**: top10_2025
- **Canonical URL**: https://designpattern.fyi/owasp_security/a07_authentication_failures/

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## Description
'**Intent**: Ensure reliable identity verification and protect authentication mechanisms from abuse.

**Context**: Applications with weak authentication allow attackers to compromise passwords, keys, or session tokens. Issues include weak passwords, credential stuffing, improper session management, and missing MFA.

**Solution**: Implement multi-factor authentication. Enforce strong password policies. Limit failed login attempts. Use secure session management. Never ship with default credentials. Implement proper password storage with modern hashing.'



## Use Cases
Use when implementing login systems, session management, API authentication, or any identity verification mechanism.





## Trade-offs


### Advantages

- Prevents unauthorized account access

- Protects against credential attacks

- Supports regulatory compliance

- Reduces account takeover risk




### Considerations & Drawbacks

- MFA adds user friction

- Complex to implement across all authentication paths

- Session management edge cases







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**Reference**: [Original Source](https://owasp.org/Top10/2025)