OWASP Top 10 Risks

The OWASP Top 10 for AI Agentic Applications is a security framework developed by the Open Worldwide Application Security Project to identify and mitigate critical vulnerabilities specific to AI agents and autonomous systems. This framework extends traditional OWASP security guidance by addressing risks that emerge when AI systems operate with agency—the ability to take independent actions, make decisions, and interact with external systems. It provides structured guidance for developers, security teams, and organizations building or deploying AI agents.

Scope and Distinctions

The AI Agentic Applications Top 10 differs from standard OWASP lists in that it focuses on threats particular to agentic behavior rather than static application vulnerabilities. It accounts for risks introduced by model autonomy, tool use, multi-step reasoning, and the ability of agents to execute actions without human intervention at each step. This includes vulnerabilities in how agents access external systems, manage permissions, and handle unexpected inputs or edge cases during autonomous operation.

Purpose and Application

The framework serves as a reference for understanding the security landscape of AI-driven autonomous systems. Organizations use it to prioritize security investments, conduct threat modeling, and establish control mechanisms appropriate to agentic AI deployments. The framework is intended to evolve as agentic AI systems mature and new threat vectors emerge, reflecting the developing nature of both AI technology and its associated security challenges.

Source Notes