WEB-03: Web Security Standard
Mechanisms exist to ensure the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Application Security Verification Standard is incorporated into the organization's Secure Systems Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) process.
Renumbered: Formerly WEB-07 in SCF 2025.4.
Code reused: In SCF 2025.4 and earlier, WEB-03 was Web Application Firewall (WAF). That control is now NET-34.
Control Question: Does the organization ensure the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Application Security Verification Standard is incorporated into its Secure Systems Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) process?
General (3)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| CIS CSC 8.1 | 16.0 16.1 16.7 16.10 |
| CIS CSC 8.1 IG2 | 16.1 16.7 16.10 |
| CIS CSC 8.1 IG3 | 16.1 16.7 16.10 |
EMEA (1)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| EMEA Saudi Arabia CSCC-1 2019 | 2-12-1-2 2-12-2 |
APAC (3)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| APAC Australia ISM June 2026 | ISM-0971 ISM-1239 |
| APAC India RBI Digital Payments 2021 | 31.0 |
| APAC New Zealand NZISM 3.9 | 14.5.7.C.01 14.5.8.C.01 |
Capability Maturity Model
Level 0 — Not Performed
Practices are non-existent, based on the inability to demonstrate an implemented and operational capability. A reasonable person would conclude the control is not being performed.
Level 1 — Performed Informally
SCR-CMM Level 1 criteria definitions are not available for this control: ▪ A reasonable person would conclude this control requires a structured process. ▪ At this level of maturity, the "ad hoc" nature of performing a capability informally would indicate the intent of the control is not met due to a lack of consistency and formality.
Level 2 — Planned & Tracked
SCR-CMM Level 2 criteria definitions are not available for this control: ▪ A reasonable person would conclude a well-defined and standardized process is required. ▪ At this level of maturity, the “requirements-driven” nature of performing the control is focused on a localized and/or regionalized implementation, not uniform and consistent across the organization. ▪ Requirements are narrowly scoped for applicability and are primarily derived from compliance obligations (e.g., laws, regulations and contracts).
Level 3 — Well Defined
Web Security (WEB) capabilities are standardized across the entity for applicability to People, Processes, Technologies, Data and/or Facilities (PPTDF) to ensure consistency for Technology Assets, Applications, Services and/or Data (TAASD). Capability criteria associated with this control reasonably expect the following criteria to exist: ▪ Policies and standards associated with WEB domain capabilities are formally documented and centrally-managed by the entity's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) team, or similar function. ▪ Standardized Operating Procedures (SOP) associated with WEB domain capabilities are well-documented and kept current by process owners. ▪ A web management team, or simiE210:E1635main capabilities. ▪ Technology is leveraged to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of web management operations (e.g., secure web gateway and Content Management System (CMS) solution). ▪ The entity's Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) team, or similar function, works with business stakeholders and process owners to appropriately scope and reasonably implement cybersecurity and data protection controls associated with WEB domain capabilities to address Minimum Compliance Requirements (MCR) (e.g., applicable statutory, regulatory and/or contractual requirements) and Discretionary Security Requirements (DSR) (e.g., entity-required controls). ▪ An implemented and operational capability exists to ensure the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Application Security Verification Standard is incorporated into the organization's Secure Systems Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) process.
Level 4 — Quantitatively Controlled
Utilize SCR-CMM Level 3 criteria definitions: ▪ There are no defined Level 4 criteria, since it is reasonable to assume a quantitatively-controlled process is not necessary to operationalize this control. ▪ While it may be possible to develop “metrics-driven” capabilities for this control, the criteria would be organization-specific to define.
Level 5 — Continuously Improving
Utilize SCR-CMM Level 3 or Level 4 (if available) criteria definitions: ▪ There are no defined Level 5 criteria, since it is reasonable to assume a continuously-improving process is not necessary to operationalize this control. ▪ Level 5 capabilities should be considered “world-class” where the control builds on Level 4 capabilities, but are continuously improving through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Machine Learning (ML) technologies. ▪ While it may be possible to develop responsive capabilities for this control through the use of AI and/or ML technologies, the criteria would be organization-specific to define.
Assessment Objectives
- WEB-03_A01 the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Application Security Verification Standard is incorporated into the organization's Secure Systems Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) process.
Evidence Requirements
- E-WEB-01 Web Security Standard & Application Framework
-
Documented evidence of the organization's web security standard and approved web application framework(s).
Website Security
Technology Recommendations
Micro/Small
- Follow OWASP Top 10 guidance for web security
Small
- OWASP Top 10 as web security standard baseline
Medium
- Formal web security standard (e.g., OWASP ASVS)
- Developer training on web security
Large
- Enterprise web security standard program (OWASP ASVS)
- WAF enforcement
- Security code reviews
Enterprise
- Enterprise web security program based on OWASP ASVS
- Automated security testing
- WAF enforcement
- Developer training