Web application abuse is the unauthorized use of a website or its software to publish, route, or promote content. It can involve exploiting a vulnerability, misusing stolen accounts, or taking advantage of weak publishing controls. A trusted domain may then host spam pages, hidden links, or redirects without the site owner’s approval.
In cyber security, this can damage an organization’s reputation, expose visitors to unwanted content, and manipulate search results. Defenders should verify reported URLs, preserve relevant logs, and review account activity, publishing workflows, files, and database changes. Search-engine alerts can help identify suspicious pages, but they do not alone prove a compromise; investigate the evidence before deciding on containment and remediation.