Recent analyses highlight the escalating risks associated with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) as artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continue to evolve. APIs have become a primary target for cyber attackers, exploiting vulnerabilities in identity and access controls at an unprecedented scale. The rapid integration of AI is further exacerbating these threats, broadening the attack surface and increasing the potential for significant damage.
API Vulnerabilities on the Rise
According to a 2025 study by Wallarm, out of over 60,000 reported vulnerabilities, more than 11,000 were related to APIs, accounting for 17% of the total. Additionally, data from the CISA KEV Catalog indicated that 43% of exploited weaknesses in 2025 involved APIs. This data underscores the critical nature of API security in the current digital landscape.
The Wallarm report highlights notable breaches involving APIs, with companies like 700Credit, Qantas, and Salesloft facing significant impacts. These cases illustrate the severe consequences of inadequate API protection and the need for robust security measures in the face of growing threats.
The Influence of AI and Emerging Protocols
AI’s role in enhancing the complexity and impact of API vulnerabilities cannot be overstated. Wallarm’s CEO, Ivan Novikov, emphasizes that API security is central to AI integration, as APIs facilitate interactions between AI applications and systems. The increasing reliance on AI amplifies the ramifications of security oversights, making effective API security more crucial than ever.
One emerging concern is the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which is poised to significantly influence future API risks. In 2025, Wallarm identified 315 vulnerabilities linked to MCP, marking a 270% rise in these vulnerabilities between Q2 and Q3. The MCP’s potential to affect autonomous workflows highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and security measures.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite advancements in security awareness, common API issues persist. In 2025, cross-site vulnerabilities became the most frequently exploited category, surpassing injection flaws, which had been the top concern in 2024. This shift indicates a change in attacker strategies, necessitating a comprehensive approach to API security.
Wallarm’s analysis concludes that the allure of exploiting logic and trust issues outweighs the pursuit of bugs. AI tends to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities rather than create new ones, highlighting the importance of real-time monitoring over pre-production testing. With most API vulnerabilities being remotely exploitable and requiring minimal effort to exploit, the emphasis on robust, runtime security measures is more relevant than ever.
As the digital landscape evolves, the interplay between AI and APIs demands continuous adaptation and proactive security strategies. Organizations must prioritize API security to safeguard against the expanding threat landscape and ensure the successful integration of AI technologies.
