Managing an organization’s attack surface is a complex problem involving asset discovery, vulnerability analysis, and continuous monitoring. There are multiple well-defined solutions to secure the attack surface, such as extended detection and response (EDR or XDR), security information & event management (SIEM), and security orchestration, automation & response (SOAR); despite that, these tools often do not prioritize APIs.

While it was not called ASM, the concept of managing attack surface management began with basic asset management practices in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Organizations focused on keeping an inventory of their digital assets, such as servers, desktops, and network devices. The primary objective was to maintain an accurate record of these assets to ensure proper configuration and patch management.

On July 19, 2024, a flawed update in CrowdStrike Falcon's channel file 291 led to a logic error that caused Windows systems to crash, resulting in widespread BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) incidents. The impact was severe, disrupting critical infrastructure globally, from grounded flights to halted public transit systems. In fact, you’d have to have been living under a rock to have missed this incident.

As we move through 2024, the Wallarm Research Team continues to monitor the evolving API vulnerability and threat landscape. Our latest Q2 ThreatStats Report reveals critical trends and developments that are reshaping the security environment. Continuing from our Q1 findings, the surge in AI API vulnerabilities is not only persisting but intensifying, with an alarming increase in both the volume and severity of exploits.