Overview
Storing usernames, passwords, or API keys directly in the app code exposes them if the app is compromised, posing a significant security risk. Hardcoding credentials, such as usernames, passwords, API keys, or cryptographic keys, directly into the source code of a mobile app is a major security risk. If an attacker reverse-engineers the app, they can easily retrieve these hardcoded credentials, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to systems or APIs. This vulnerability is particularly problematic for mobile apps that connect to backend servers or third-party services using hardcoded credentials.
Risk factors
Use of hardcoded credentials can arise from these conditions:
- Attackers can reverse-engineer mobile apps to extract hardcoded credentials.
- Storing credentials in plaintext within the app code makes it easier for attackers to retrieve them.
- Poor or nonexistent cryptographic key management practices increase the likelihood of hardcoded credentials.
- Recent studies have found over 1,800 Android and iOS apps containing hardcoded AWS credentials, highlighting the prevalence of this security flaw.
Consequences
If hardcoded credentials are exposed, the following can happen:
- Unauthorized access: Attackers can use exposed credentials to access backend servers, APIs, or other sensitive resources.
- Data breach: Exposed credentials could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data or other confidential information.
- Service abuse: Attackers could abuse exposed API keys to consume services at the expense of the legitimate app developer, potentially leading to service disruptions or financial loss.
- Reputation damage: Discovery of hardcoded credentials could severely damage the reputation of the app provider, leading to user distrust and regulatory penalties.
Solutions and best practices
To mitigate the risks associated with hardcoded credentials, organizations should implement the following security measures:
- Avoid hardcoding: Never hardcode credentials directly in the app’s source code.
- Secure storage: Store sensitive credentials securely, using encryption and secure storage mechanisms provided by the platform (e.g., iOS Keychain or Android Keystore).
- Key rotation: Implement a key rotation policy to regularly update credentials and revoke old ones.
- Regular audits: Implement automated code scanning tools to detect hardcoded credentials during the development process.
- App shielding: Use application shielding techniques such as code obfuscation to make reverse engineering more difficult, reducing the risk of credential exposure.
