Contact us anytime to know more — Abhishek P., Founder & CFO CISIN
The rising security risks associated with mobile app development, primarily to protect against data breaches, are one of the main concerns.
It has become much easier to create and deploy mobile apps, but it is also becoming easier to hack a mobile app's security.
This is because many developers still write insecure code. To find out more information about your mobile app, attackers could try to hack it. Some might even do it to break into backend services.
How can you prevent such security threats from mobile devices?
Let's see what happens.
What's Mobile App Security?
Mobile app security protects apps from malware and other digital frauds. This can expose sensitive financial and personal information to hackers.
In today's world, mobile app security is just as important. Hackers can access the user's private life and reveal data such as their location, bank information, and personal details.
Weak Mobile App Security
Customers depend on organizations that test their security measures before making them available.
IBM conducted shocking studies.
Hackers use the above numbers to find security loopholes in mobile apps. They try to take advantage of any or all of these things by unsecured codes.
Customer Information
Hackers can gain login credentials to any website or device. This includes email, banking, and social networking sites.
The Anubis banking Trojan infects a user's device via downloading compromised apps and is a well-known example. Some of these apps are even available on the official Android app stores. The Trojan infects a machine and forces it to send and get SMSes, access contact lists, accept push notifications, access the device's IP address, and access personal files.
WhatsApp admitted in May 2019 that its app was susceptible to spyware from NSO Group, an Israeli firm.
This could allow users to infect their mobile devices by simply calling an unknown number on WhatsApp.
The user's device could be compromised even if the call was declined. The spyware can infect almost any data, including contact lists, GPS information, media file, and other files from the device, to the hacker’s server.
Financial Information
Hackers can use credit and debit card numbers to transact in banks, especially when a password is unnecessary.
Kaspersky researchers discovered a new banking Trojan called Ginp that could steal credit card and user credentials from users' devices. It can control the SMS feature of a machine and manipulate banking functions. It was discovered that its code was using 24 Spanish banking apps.
IP Theft
Hackers can gain access to the code base of an app to create clones or steal intellectual property from the company that makes the app.
Successful apps will attract more clones. Fortnite and PUBG Mobile were popular apps that weren't available in the Google Play Store. However, many clones quickly became available due to their popularity.
Google even had to warn users that Fortnite wasn't available at Google Play.
Revenue Loss
App owners can access Premium features, particularly gaming and utility apps. This is an excellent source of revenue.
Bluebox, a mobile security company, revealed that hackers had been able to gain access to the premium features of popular apps Tinder and Hulu by exploiting security gaps in the apps and causing financial losses to their owners. Hulu's monthly subscriptions for its OTT streaming service were $7.99 per month at that time.
Brand Confidence
Other than losing user data, misuses and lawsuits by affected parties can also result in this loss.
Although cyber security evaluation drills can positively keep customers loyal and trust the brand, they can also lead to losing customer confidence that will last a lifetime. Companies need to realize that their customers' confidence in their brand is the heart of their business. App development should be viewed as a business decision.
Security Loopholes in Mobile App Security
Mobile apps are not intended to be anti-virus or transmit sensitive data over the internet.
They provide users with the best functionality and a simple interface. Installing an antivirus app can protect the network and prevent attacks from devices, but it cannot protect against weak passwords or poorly designed apps.
For developers, industry experts have documented most of the most common security lapses under The Open Web Application Security Project's (OWASP) umbrella.
The OWASP Mobile Top 10 is a popular mobile security list that draws on the collective knowledge of industry professionals about cyber security solutions and future attack vectors for mobile devices.
Android App Security Risques
Reverse Engineering
Android apps can be developed in Java using an integrated development environment (IDE) like Eclipse.
You can reverse these Java apps using various tools on the internet. The bytecode can be modified and repackaged using APK files. Android apps that are changed can be used to provide login credentials, insight into lousy design, and details about libraries and classes.
You can also find out the type of encryption used by the app. This information can be helpful to the attacker in hacking multiple devices with the same encryption method.
Unsecure Platform Use
Android OS and apps are vulnerable to the OWASP Mobile Top 10 risk when app developers disregard the best practices published in Google's mobile OS communication guidelines, especially unsecured Android intents or platform permissions.
The app is vulnerable to hackers if the developer doesn't secure exported services or issues the wrong flag to an API request. Hackers are known to spy on Android devices to find BroadcastReceiver instances intended for legitimate apps. Developers tend to ignore using LocalBroadcastManager to send and receive messages for legitimate apps, thus creating a security lacuna.
Ignoring Updating
Many Android developers don't update their apps or pay attention to any OS patches released by Android.
This results in an inability to protect against new vulnerabilities. Applications can be exposed to security threats by not updating their apps with the most recent security patches.
Rooted devices
Android OS allows users to root their devices with third-party apps. However, they will be notified.
Not everyone understands that hackers and malware can manipulate a rooted device. Developers need to make sure that their apps are not running in a root environment and issue warnings to users.
Unlike Android, the Apple iOS operating system is closed and enforces strict security measures.
Apps can't communicate with other apps, nor can they access directories or other data from other apps. iOS apps are written in Objective C with tools such as Xcode. It uses the same ARM XNU kernel in OSX and Apple's Mac computers.
Jailbreak
Jailbreaking is a term that is commonly used to describe Apple devices. This involves exploiting the kernel to allow users to run unsigned codes on mobile devices.
Tethered jailbreaking means that the phone must be connected to a computer or run jailbroken code every reboot. Untethered jailbreak is when the code remains on the phone after it has been rebooted.
User Authentication
iOS provides device-level security via Face ID and Touch ID. They claim that they are secure because they run on a separate processor from the rest.
The Secure Enclave runs on a dedicated microkernel. Hackers have demonstrated that Touch ID can be compromised. GrayKey is a device that makes brute-forcing passcode guessing simple by eliminating the need to wait between guess attempts.
App developers who use Touch ID systems for data protection or other services in their apps are also vulnerable to this vulnerability.
Insecure Data Storage
Many apps store data in SQL databases, cookies, binary data storage, or standard text.
Hackers can access these storage locations if the operating system, framework, or compiler is compromised. Jail breaking devices can also lead to data exposure. Hackers can access the database and modify the app to collect information.
Jailbroken devices can expose the most advanced encryption algorithms.
Security experts also discovered that insecure data storage was one of the most prevalent vulnerabilities in iOS devices.
Hackers use this vulnerability to steal financial information and passwords.
Common Application Risques
No encryption
Encryption refers to transferring data in encrypted code that cannot be viewed without a secret key.
Symantec data shows that nearly 13.5 percent of consumer and 10.5 percent of enterprise devices don't have encryption enabled. This can expose sensitive data in plain text. The app is protected by high-level data encryption.
Malicious code injection
Using user forms to access server data and inject malicious code is possible. Some apps don't limit the characters that a user can enter in a field.
Hackers can insert Javascript into the login form to access private data.
Binary planting
This is where an attacker places a binary file containing malicious codes on a local device file system and then executes it to take control of the device.
You can send a malicious SMS to the victim or make them click on malicious links. Hackers can place malicious code in legitimate folders and installer files and then execute it at will to compromise the device's security issues.
Binary planting can also lead to reverse engineering, in which attackers attempt to deconstruct an app's code and gain access to the core code. Hackers can use the code to exploit vulnerabilities and take other malicious actions once it is exposed.
Mobile botnets
These bots are run on IRC networks that were created using Trojans. Once infected devices connect to the internet, they act as clients and send information to servers.
Mobile botnets are designed to take complete control of the device. They can send and receive text messages, make phone calls, and access personal information such as photos and contact lists.
Before you develop apps, here are some cyber security considerations to be aware of and ways to avoid them
These are the top mobile app security threats and how to mitigate them.
- Insecure Communication
Data is usually exchanged between clients and servers in common mobile apps. The application sends data through the internet and the mobile device network.
Attackers could exploit mobile security vulnerabilities to intercept sensitive information and user data as it traverses the network.
What are the threats to insecure communications?
- Malware on your mobile device
- An attacker who uses your network (monitored, compromised wifi) to spread malicious code
- Carrier or network devices (proxies, cell towers, routers, etc.)
Many mobile developers use SSL/TLS for authentication, but not other times. This creates a security breach that increases the chance of exposing sensitive data, such as session IDs and credentials.
A mobile application with SSL/TLS doesn't necessarily mean it is entirely secure.
Robust security protocols must be implemented throughout the mobile app and corporate network.
How can you prevent insecure communication?
After authenticating the identity of your endpoint server, only establish a secure link.
When you apply SSL/TLS to your mobile app, ensure that it is implemented on the transport channels the mobile app will use for sensitive data like session tokens and credentials.
Use industry-standard cipher suites that are strong and have the correct key lengths.
Also, you should consider using certificates signed by trusted CA providers and refrain from accepting self-signed certificates. Certificate pinning is also an option for sensitive applications.
Remember to include network security to third parties, such as social networks, when a mobile app runs a WebKit/browser routine.
You might consider adding an extra layer of encryption to sensitive data before sending it to the SSL channel.
The encryption layer is cyberattack proof against cyber threats if security flaws are discovered in SSL implementation.
- Lack of input validation
Input validation is the process that verifies input data to prevent it from being misformed or containing harmful code.
What are the consequences of poor input validation for mobile apps?
It is a mobile security threat. Here's why:
The mobile app could be vulnerable to attackers if the input is not validated correctly.
They might be able to inject malicious data and gain access to sensitive information in the app.
Input validation should be performed immediately after data has been received from external systems.
This includes data obtained from partners, regulators, or suppliers. Each of these could be compromised and deliver incorrect data.
Although input validation is not enough to protect against mobile app security risks, it can be used to filter malicious data.
How can you prevent weak input validation?
Programming techniques that allow for the enforcement of correct data can be used to implement input validation, such as:
-
Check the minimum and maximum values for dates and numerical parameters and the length checks of strings.
- Validation of input against XML Schema or JSON Scheme
-
Check the minimum and maximum values for strings; check the minimum and full lengths for dates and numerical parameters.
-
Regular expressions to any other structured data that covers the entire input string (^...$) without using wildcard characters (e.g., as.
As.
- An array of permissible values for small strings parameters (e.g., Hours of days
Alternatively, it is better to allow only known good and not reject known wrong.
If done correctly, this can create more stringent controls.
If input data includes social security numbers, dates, and email addresses, the mobile app developer must be able to build and implement strong validation patterns based on regular expressions.
If the input data is in a set of predefined options (such as radio buttons or dropdown lists), then the input data must match one of those options.
Want To Get More Information About Our Services? Talk To Our Consultant!
- Insecure Data Storage
Secure data storage can happen in many places within your mobile application, including binary data stores, SQL databases, cookies stores, etc.
An insecure data storage can be vulnerable because it may be compromised by jailbroken devices, frameworks, or other attacks.
If security protocols are not adequately implemented, attackers can easily bypass them.
Poor encryption libraries can be avoided by rooting or jailbreaking the device.
Attackers can access a device or database to modify the legitimate app and extract data from their systems.
What are the consequences of unsecured data storage?
- Unsecure data storage can lead to the following:
-
Loss of intellectual property (IP).
- Identity theft
- Fraud
- Privacy violations
- Reputation damage
A lack of processes can often cause insecure data storage to manage the cache of critical presses, images, and data.
How can you prevent insecure data storage?
Avoid using the "MODE WRITABLE" and "MODE READABLE" modes of IPC files. They do not allow you to limit access to specific applications or control the data format.
Suppose you need to share data with other apps. In that case, however, you should consider using a content provider that grants specific read and/or write permissions to other applications with dynamic permission access.
You might also consider using the security library to encrypt local files containing sensitive data.
Reduce the permissions your app requests. You can reduce the chance of exploiting your app by limiting access to sensitive data permissions. This will make your mobile app less vulnerable to hackers.
It provides iOS secure storage APIs that enable mobile app developers to access cryptographic hardware on all iOS devices.
Developers can also use the iOS security APIs to manage user data stored on flash memory.
- Client Code Security
Mobile apps are prone to code security problems.
These issues are often difficult to spot using manual code reviews. Third-party automated tools can be used to do static or fuzzing analysis.
These tools can detect injection issues, insecure storage of data, weak encryption, or other security problems.
Automated tools alone are insufficient. Manual review is still necessary to identify security threats that automation cannot detect.
How can you prevent poor code quality issues?
Secure coding practices should be followed consistently to avoid vulnerable code.
Use buffers to ensure that buffer data is not longer than the buffer target buffer.
Third-party static analysis tools can be used to automate the detection of buffer overflows and memory leaks.
As they can easily be exploited, it is essential to prioritize the resolution of memory leaks and buffer overloads over other issues.
A security company specializing in static analysis can review your code to identify security vulnerabilities and potential threats.
- Insufficient Authorization and Authentication Controls
An attacker can anonymously execute functions within the mobile app or backend server using poor or missing authentication schemes.
Mobile apps may have different authentication requirements than traditional web apps.
This is because users do not need to be online during their sessions.
Mobile apps might have offline authentication requirements. Developers should be aware of the security risks associated with offline authentication.
Poor authorization can also affect the security of a smartphone app, depending on what high privileges were used to attack a user.
An attacker may be able to perform high-privilege actions such as those of administrators. This could lead to data theft, modification, or compromise of the backend service.
What can you do to prevent poor authentication and authorization?
You have many options to implement proper authorization and authentication for mobile security.
-
Ensure authentication requests are made on the server side.
After successful authentication, data should be loaded onto the mobile device.
This will ensure data is only loaded after authentication has been successful.
-
Client-side data storage may be required.
Use encryption to secure your data and securely derivate from user credentials.
-
Authenticated users must verify their roles and permissions for robust authorization schemes using data from backend systems.
-
Multi-factor authentication is used to verify a user's identity.
One-time passwords and security questions are all options.
- Poor Encryption
Encryption refers to the conversion of data into encrypted form. This encryption is only possible after the data has been translated using a secret key.
Attackers can gain access to data and devices much faster if they aren't encrypted correctly.
What are the consequences of poor encryption?
Poor encryption can result in data loss and all the consequences that come with it.
Where do developers screw up encryption?
Developers often implement strong encryption. However, even the most advanced encryption algorithms may fail if keys aren't adequately managed.
You can include keys in files or databases that are not secure or files that other users can easily access.
This is the most frequent failure we see. Attackers don’t attempt to break encryption algorithms because that would be too difficult; they simply go after the keys.
Insecure key management is a significant problem.
A second way mobile developers can misuse encryption is to create and use custom encryption protocols or algorithms.
These encryption algorithms can be less secure than the more modern ones available to security professionals. Additionally, weaker or less fast encryption algorithms like RC2, MD5, MD4, or SHA1 could lead to attacks.
What can you do to prevent poor encryption algorithms?
Use modern encryption algorithms that the security community has accepted. Make use of the encryption APIs that are available on your mobile platform.
Layered encryption is a way to ensure that attackers can only decrypt one layer of encryption.
Make sure encryption keys are safe and secure. This is crucial.
- Reverse Engineering
An attacker could read your code and find other ways to attack your application.
Reverse engineering allows you to examine the back-end functionality of your app, modify the source code and expose encryption algorithms.
The code you have written for your mobile app could be used against you, posing serious security risks.
What can you do to prevent reverse engineering?
An excellent way to prevent reverse engineering mobile apps is to limit their capabilities client side and allow more functionality via the web services server side.
After reducing the functionality to what is necessary, you can obfuscate the code base with commercial obfuscators.
Avoid storing API keys within shared resource folders, assets, or any other location that an outsider could easily access.
To protect your API key, you can use either the public/private key exchange (NDK) or the NDK.
Last Thoughts
It is impossible to know all the security risks associated with mobile apps. So to minimize risk hire our company, expert in providing cyber security services.
The information above about mobile app security risks can help you protect your mobile apps against the most significant cybersecurity threats.
