Build an OWASP Top 10 Web Application Attack Simulator
Develop an educational platform that simulates the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, helping developers and cybersecurity learners understand, reproduce, and fix real-world attack scenarios in a safe environment.Understanding web vulnerabilities like SQL injection, XSS, or broken authentication is vital for any developer or security analyst. This simulator demonstrates the top threats outlined by OWASP through controlled exercises, enhancing hands-on learning and secure coding skills.
Each vulnerability in the OWASP Top 10 list is presented with a brief explanation, followed by an interactive lab. Users can try to exploit a simulated flaw (e.g., inject SQL), see the impact, and explore mitigation code and best practices side-by-side.
Interactive Vulnerability Labs
Simulate attacks like SQLi, XSS, IDOR, and CSRF using real code examples with guided steps.
Side-by-Side Code Fixes
Show both the vulnerable and secure version of code snippets to emphasize prevention.
Real-Time Execution & Feedback
Let users attempt attacks in-browser with auto-generated feedback on success/failure.
Progress Tracking
Gamify learning with completion badges, difficulty levels, and progress bars for all 10 categories.
Each module simulates a vulnerable endpoint or application component. Users can explore the flaw by inputting attack vectors. Once triggered, the simulator shows the exploit’s impact and offers a corrected version with an explanation of secure coding techniques.
- Choose a vulnerability from the OWASP Top 10 (e.g., Broken Access Control).
- Interact with the flawed module and try to exploit it using hints or raw input.
- Receive instant feedback on the exploit’s result and risk level.
- View the secure code side-by-side and learn how the flaw was mitigated.
- Track your learning path across all ten vulnerabilities with badges and levels.
Frontend
React.js for the UI, CodeMirror for live code input, and TailwindCSS for styling.
Backend
Node.js, Flask, or Django to handle simulated web APIs with vulnerable routes.
Database
SQLite or PostgreSQL with seeded vulnerable data for SQLi and authentication modules.
Security References
OWASP official documentation, WebGoat, Juice Shop, and DVWA for lab inspiration.
1. List the OWASP Top 10
Outline all 10 vulnerabilities and draft examples that simulate each one realistically.
2. Build One Vulnerable Module per Topic
Create deliberately flawed forms, APIs, or pages and test their exploitability.
3. Implement Fix Examples
Code secure versions of each module alongside explanations on why they’re effective.
4. Add Interactive UI
Design an interface that lets users run, exploit, and toggle between versions live.
5. Include Progress Tracking
Gamify learning with badges, module completion markers, and feedback messages.
Learn to Break and Defend Web Apps
Build a hands-on OWASP simulator to train future security engineers and developers through ethical hacking, secure coding, and vulnerability mitigation exercises.
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