Code review for security is a very critical process that enables developers and teams to identify and weed out weaknesses in the code before those can be exploited.

Regular exercises like these not only ensure sensitive data protection but also improve the overall reliability of web applications.

In this article, we will look into 10 key steps to performing an effective and exhaustive code security review.

1. Define the Goals and Scope of the Review

Every code project is different, and each one requires a somewhat different approach. It's very important to identify what parts of security will be reviewed: authentication, authorization, session management, data encryption, etc. Setting clear goals and focusing on the most sensitive areas gives way for an effective review.

To streamline this process, it's highly recommended to use a detailed security code review checklist, like the one provided by Redwerk. This checklist covers all essential areas, from input validation to secure data transmission, and helps ensure that no critical security aspects are missed during the review.

2. Authentication and Authorization Vulnerability Identification

Authentication and authorization are the very fundamentals of security. Verify the reliability of the login system, password requirements, two-factor authentication, and user access levels.

3. Analyze Session Management

Implement secure session management: store session tokens appropriately and use them, reissue them in time, and terminate the session upon user logout. Evaluate possible vulnerabilities related to session hijacking.

4. Look for SQL Injection and XSS Vulnerabilities

The best-known types of attacks are still SQL injections and XSS. Prevent these types of attacks by performing input validation and escaping.

5. Review Error and Exception Handling

Poor error handling could result in the disclosure of critical information to an attacker. Remember that while errors should be logged, they should not be shown to end users, and your system should handle any exceptions accordingly.

6. Data encryption and establishment of secure connections 

Sensitive data needs to be well protected with modern encryption standards. The application should apply HTTPS in all connections and encrypt data both on the server and the client's side.

7. Validate Security of External Libraries and Dependencies

Many projects make use of third-party libraries. Keep all external dependencies up to date; pay attention to the security reports about the libraries, too.

8. Use Automated Tools for Security Analysis

In particular, the automation of the security review process can be accelerated by using the so-called vulnerability analysis tools, which trace difficult-to-find issues in manual ways. Consider including these solutions in your development process.

9. Perform Dynamic Security

Testing Perform DAST in addition to code analysis in order to reveal security vulnerabilities at the whole application level, such as improper session management or unsecured entry points.

10. Regular Updating and Review

Security code review is not a one-time thing; regular reviews need to be organized and set up by notifications on updates of external libraries and dependencies to address any threats in a timely manner.

Conclusion

An efficient security code review not only serves as a means of protection for your application from breaches, but it also forms part of the culture of secure development.

The next 10 steps serve to increase the reliability of your web applications and protect them from the most well-known threats. Regular reviews should be run, with the remediation of the identified issues, in order for your projects to stay secure.