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OWASP Top 10: Key Principles for Securing Web Applications

In today’s digital age, web applications have become an integral part of our lives, powering online shopping, social media, banking services, and even government platforms. However, this convenience comes with significant risks due to vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. Hackers are constantly developing new methods to steal personal data, compromise systems, and cause financial damage. In this environment, the OWASP Top 10 is widely recognized as a critical guide in the field of cybersecurity.

OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the security of web applications. The OWASP Top 10 is a list, updated every three to four years, that outlines the most common and dangerous vulnerabilities in web applications. This list serves as a roadmap for developers, security professionals, and organizations, helping them address the most pressing threats. The latest version, published in 2021, reflects current cybersecurity trends and remains relevant as of 2025.

The OWASP Top 10 not only identifies vulnerabilities but also provides specific measures to mitigate them. It is regarded as a global standard in cybersecurity and aligns with standards like ISO/IEC 27001. Let’s explore each vulnerability in the 2021 OWASP Top 10 list in detail and analyze their significance in the context of Uzbekistan.

OWASP Top 10 (2021) Vulnerabilities

1. Broken Access Control

Vulnerabilities in access control systems allow hackers to gain unauthorized privileges. For example, a regular user might access an admin panel or view sensitive data. This flaw can enable hackers to take over user accounts, steal confidential files, or gain complete control of a system.

Example: In an online store in Uzbekistan, if a regular customer can access other users’ order details via a specific API, this indicates an access control issue. Mitigation:

  • Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to ensure users only access resources aligned with their roles.
  • Validate APIs and URLs to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive pages.
  • Strengthen session management by limiting the lifespan of tokens.

2. Cryptographic Failures

Previously known as “Sensitive Data Exposure,” this vulnerability stems from improper or absent encryption. If data such as passwords or credit card numbers are transmitted in plain text, hackers can easily intercept them.

Example: If a banking app in Uzbekistan operates without TLS encryption, hackers could intercept users’ login credentials over the network. Mitigation:

  • Encrypt all sensitive data using TLS 1.3 or higher protocols.
  • Store passwords using modern hashing algorithms like bcrypt or Argon2.
  • Avoid storing sensitive data in plain text in backups or log files.

3. Injection

Injection attacks, such as SQL Injection or Command Injection, allow hackers to insert malicious code into a web application’s database or server. This can lead to data theft, system disruption, or even complete server compromise.

Example: If a government portal in Uzbekistan allows a user to input an SQL query like ‘; DROP TABLE users; –, the database could be deleted. Mitigation:

  • Validate input data using parameterized queries (prepared statements).
  • Use Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) libraries.
  • Strictly filter input fields, prohibiting special characters (e.g., ; or ‘).

4. Insecure Design

This new category highlights security flaws introduced during the design phase of an application. Even if the code is implemented correctly, a lack of secure design principles can create vulnerabilities.

Example: If an e-commerce platform in Uzbekistan omits SMS authentication in its password reset process, hackers could easily hijack accounts. Mitigation:

  • Adhere to Secure by Design principles, prioritizing security from the earliest stages of development.
  • Apply Threat Modeling techniques to identify potential risks.
  • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) systems.

5. Security Misconfiguration

Misconfigured servers, databases, or applications act as an open door for hackers. For instance, default open ports, unnecessary services, or unused APIs can create vulnerabilities.

Example: If a university server in Uzbekistan leaves an unused admin panel accessible, hackers could infiltrate the system. Mitigation:

  • Configure servers and applications based on the principle of minimal functionality, enabling only essential services.
  • Use automated scanners (e.g., Nessus or Burp Suite) to detect misconfigurations.
  • Properly configure security management files (e.g., .htaccess).

6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components

Web applications often rely on third-party libraries and frameworks. If these components are outdated or contain known vulnerabilities, hackers can exploit them to breach the system.

Example: If a news portal in Uzbekistan uses an outdated version of jQuery, hackers could launch an XSS attack to control the site. Mitigation:

  • Monitor component updates using tools like Dependabot or Snyk.
  • Download libraries only from official and trusted sources.
  • Regularly update outdated software.

7. Identification and Authentication Failures

Previously called “Broken Authentication,” this vulnerability relates to flaws in login and password systems. Weak passwords, unprotected session tokens, or the absence of MFA can allow hackers to take over user accounts.

Example: If a social media platform in Uzbekistan relies solely on email for password recovery, hackers could compromise accounts by breaching email access. Mitigation:

  • Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
  • Require minimum password length (e.g., 12 characters) and complexity.
  • Protect session tokens using secure protocols like JWT or OAuth.

8. Software and Data Integrity Failures

This new category addresses errors in ensuring the integrity of software updates or data. For example, unsigned updates or flawed CI/CD processes can allow hackers to inject malicious code.

Example: If a financial app in Uzbekistan installs an unsigned update, hackers could embed malicious code into the system. Mitigation:

  • Use digital signatures for all updates.
  • Secure CI/CD processes, deploying only verified code.
  • Verify data integrity through hashing and signing.

9. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures

If security incidents are not logged or monitoring is inadequate, hacker activities may go unnoticed. This delays problem detection until significant damage is done.

Example: If a hacker’s login attempts are not logged in Uzbekistan’s e-government system, the attack may be detected too late. Mitigation:

  • Implement Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.
  • Log all login attempts, errors, and critical actions.
  • Set up real-time monitoring and alerting systems.

10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

SSRF attacks enable hackers to send requests to a server’s internal resources via the web application. This can lead to access to internal APIs, databases, or even other servers.

Example: If a service platform in Uzbekistan allows an SSRF attack to query the server’s internal database, hackers could steal sensitive data. Mitigation:

  • Strictly filter incoming requests, allowing only verified URLs.
  • Restrict access to internal resources using a firewall or VPC.
  • Create a whitelist for permissible requests.

Significance of OWASP Top 10 in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s IT sector is rapidly growing, with an increasing number of e-commerce platforms, banking services, government portals, and startups. However, a lack of expertise and resources in cybersecurity leaves many organizations vulnerable. The OWASP Top 10 serves as a vital guide to address these challenges. For example:

  • Financial Sector: Banks and payment systems in Uzbekistan risk losing customer data due to Cryptographic Failures and Injection vulnerabilities.
  • E-Government: Government portals are susceptible to sensitive data exposure due to Broken Access Control and SSRF.
  • Startups and Small Businesses: Resource-constrained startups often fall prey to hackers due to Vulnerable Components or Security Misconfigurations.

Adopting and studying the OWASP Top 10 in Uzbekistan not only enhances security but also prepares local companies for global markets. Compliance with OWASP standards builds trust and facilitates obtaining security certifications.

Practical Recommendations

To combat OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, we recommend the following practical steps:

  • Training and Education: Train developers and security teams on OWASP standards.
  • Automated Scanners: Use tools like OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, or Qualys to regularly scan applications.
  • Penetration Testing: Engage external security experts to test systems and identify vulnerabilities.
  • Security Policies: Develop and strictly enforce security policies within the organization.

The OWASP Top 10 is more than just a list of vulnerabilities—it is a strategic guide for securing web applications. As Uzbekistan advances in its digital transformation, this list holds immense value for local developers, organizations, and government institutions. Cybersecurity is not merely a technological issue but a shared responsibility for every user and organization.