Addressing the OWASP Mobile Top 10 (2024)

Knowing the risks is one thing, understanding how to prevent attacks and mitigate harm is another. We’re going to help you get started with both.

From improper credential usage to insufficient cryptography, we outline each of the risks identified by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) in its annual Mobile Top 10 for 2024. We also explore how these risks impact mobile security and strategies for securing your mobile apps. Along the way, you’ll gain more insight into app shielding and some of the ways it addresses the top mobile risks.

Use this overview as the starting point to a full-fledged risk assessment, to develop your understanding of your app’s security posture, or to reinforce secure coding best practices in your development team.

Mobile app security by the numbers

How significant are the OWASP Mobile Top 10 threats? To put these risks into context, take a look at recent statistics:

• Improper credential usage: Google reports over half of breaches involve compromised credentials, including weak passwords and stolen information. CISA found 51% of breaches they studied involved credentials-related issues.
• Inadequate supply chain management: Verizon research finds 15% of data breaches involved the software supply chain, including vendors, partners, and data custodians.
• Insecure authentication/authorization: Security Boulevard notes 49% of IT professionals state authentication vulnerabilities are among the most expensive to resolve.
• Insufficient input/output validation: Verizon reports over the past year, there has been a 180% increase in attacks using vulnerabilities—including poor input/output validation—as the basis for critical attacks.
• Insecure communication: According to Security Magazine, lack of encryption is the leading cause of sensitive data loss.
• Inadequate privacy controls: Over 353 million individuals were impacted by data breaches in 2023 alone, according to Forbes.
• Security misconfiguration: Veris reports that 35% of all observable security incidents are due in part to security misconfigurations or errors.
• Insecure data storage: Security Today reported as many as 76% of mobile apps may have insecure data storage putting applications and user data at risk.

The Open Web Application Security Project

The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), a nonprofit foundation, offers free resources to help developers and publishers build more secure web and mobile apps. Over the last two decades, OWASP has gained recognition for setting the industry standard, serving as a benchmark for compliance, training, and tools for developing secure software.

OWASP provides a number of tools specifically dedicated to mobile app security. In addition to publishing the OWASP Mobile Top 10—a list of the most common threats to mobile apps updated annually—the OWASP Mobile Project provides comprehensive standards documentation and test procedures, known as the Mobile Application Security Verificaion Standards (MASVS). MASVS, a living document available on GitHub, can be linked back to the OWASP Top 10.

Read more: What is the OWASP MASVS?

Although beneficial for all apps, it’s worth noting the OWASP Mobile Top 10 and the MASVS are especially well-suited to financial, payment, and banking apps, as well as apps handling sensitive personal data. These include gaming apps, streaming apps, apps with messaging features, and other priority industries using personal information, login credentials, or secure transaction data.

Of course, app shielding isn’t constrained to any specific industries or apps. On the contrary, it introduces a wide range of protections to an even wider variety of applications to protect against tampering, repackaging, and other threats.

Let’s go over the basics of  app shielding.

A primer on application shielding

Gartner defines app shielding as a security solution implemented within an app to make it more resistant to attacks like tampering and reverse engineering.

It’s an apt summary, but to really understand how app shielding can improve security, a deeper dive is in order. Once you release an app, it’s vulnerable to many different types of attacks—even if you release it through an official channel like the App Store or the Play Store. Application shielding works by modifying your app’s byte or binary code, making it more resistant to intrusion, tampering, reverse engineering, and malware attacks.

App shielding solutions protect apps at rest, typically using code obfuscation techniques. They also protect apps at runtime, when an app is vulnerable to malicious attacks that can compromise it and extract user data. App shielding is often considered the first line of defense for securing mobile apps.

Unlike security solutions that simply monitor and test vulnerabilities, app shielding can detect and proactively prevent real-time attacks on mobile apps. When developers and publishers choose the right app shielding solution, it can be implemented in minutes without disrupting DevOps workflows or the user experience. That’s why it ties in so well with the OWASP Mobile Top 10—and why you should consider it for your app.

Read more: App shielding: The essential layer for mobile app security

The OWASP Mobile Top 10 (2024)

Improper credential usage

Understanding the attack scenarios

Threat actors targeting mobile apps often exploit hardcoded credentials and improper credential management practices. These vulnerabilities can be exploited through automated tools that search for embedded credentials within the app’s code or configuration files. Once discovered, attackers may use these credentials to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, admin functions, or backend systems. Additionally, improper credential management, like storing credentials in plaintext or using weak encryption, increases the risk of these attacks.

Description of the threat

Hardcoded credentials and improper credential handling represent a significant security vulnerability in mobile apps. Hardcoded credentials are those embedded directly within the app’s code, often for convenience during development. But attackers can easily extract these credentials through reverse engineering. Improper credential management like storing sensitive information in insecure locations or failing to use strong encryption methods further exposes apps to unauthorized access and data breaches. The combination of these factors makes it easier for threat actors to exploit these vulnerabilities, leading to severe security breaches.

Risk factors

• Hardcoded credentials: Embedding credentials within the app’s code makes them easily accessible to attackers who can extract and misuse them through reverse engineering or code inspection.
• Insecure user authentication: Weak authentication mechanisms like easy-to-guess passwords or lack of multi-factor authentication provide attackers with a straightforward path to gain unauthorized access.
• Weak encryption algorithms: Using outdated or weak encryption algorithms to protect credentials and sensitive data allows attackers to decrypt and access this information, compromising the security of your app.

Potential impact

• Unauthorized access to data and admin functions: Attackers can use discovered credentials to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data, administrative controls, or backend systems, leading to potential misuse or manipulation of the app.
• Data breach: Exploiting hardcoded credentials or weak authentication can result in a data breach, exposing users' personal information and leading to significant legal and reputational damage.
• Data loss: Improper credential handling can result in data loss, especially if attackers manipulate or delete critical data within your app or its associated systems.

App shielding for improper credential usage

App shielding ensures the integrity of the app, and can protect sensitive data in the app like API keys. The server side web app can also attest the integrity of the mobile app accessing the API with App Attestation. Shielding applications also monitor and audit API access to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts.

Inadequate supply chain security

Understanding the attack scenarios

Attackers are increasingly targeting vulnerabilities within the mobile app supply chain to compromise app security. They achieve this by inserting malicious code or modifying the build process, which allows them to introduce backdoors, spyware, or other harmful elements into the app. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, attackers can steal sensitive data, spy on users, or even take control of devices. Commonly targeted areas include third-party software libraries, SDKs, vendors, and hardcoded credentials, each of which presents unique risks that can lead to unauthorized data access, denial of service, or a complete takeover of the mobile app or device.

Description of the threat

The mobile app supply chain comprises various components, including third-party software libraries, SDKs, and external vendors, all of which play a critical role in the app’s functionality and security. But these components can also introduce vulnerabilities if they are not adequately secured. Attackers exploit these weaknesses to inject malicious code during the build process or within the app's dependencies. Once the app is compromised, attackers can use the inserted malware to spy on users, steal data, or gain control over devices. The complexity of modern mobile apps, which often rely on numerous third-party elements, increases the attack surface, making it essential to secure every component within the supply chain.

Risk factors

• Insecure coding practices: Poor coding practices can introduce vulnerabilities into the application, making it easier for attackers to exploit weaknesses in the supply chain.
• Vulnerable third-party libraries or frameworks: Relying on outdated or poorly maintained third-party libraries or frameworks can expose the application to known vulnerabilities attackers can exploit to compromise the app.
• Inadequate security controls: A lack of robust security controls, such as insufficient testing, weak access controls, or poor monitoring, increases the risk of supply chain attacks going undetected until significant damage is done.

Potential impact

• Malware infection: Successful exploitation of supply chain vulnerabilities can lead to the injection of malware, which can spy on users, steal sensitive information, or disrupt the app’s functionality.
• Data breach: Compromised third-party components can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user data, resulting in a data breach that can have severe legal and financial consequences for app providers.
• System compromise: An attacker who gains control over your app through supply chain vulnerabilities can compromise the entire system, potentially taking over the device, executing arbitrary code, or using the app as a launch point for further attacks.
  

App shielding for inadequate supply chain security

App shielding ensures all components and libraries used in the app haven’t been tampered with or had malicious code injected after publishing. In connection with other efforts made by developers to enhance supply chain security, this helps protect mobile apps.

Insecure authentication/authorization

Understanding the attack scenarios

Threat actors often exploit vulnerabilities in authentication and authorization mechanisms by leveraging automated tools, which can be readily available or custom-built. These tools allow attackers to bypass security measures, gain unauthorized access, and potentially escalate their privileges within the app. By targeting weaknesses in the authentication process like improper handling of user credentials or insufficient two-factor authentication (2FA) implementation, attackers can compromise the security of the app and its users.

Description of the threat

Authentication and authorization are critical components of mobile app security, as they ensure only authorized users can access specific functions and data. But vulnerabilities in these processes can lead to significant security breaches. Threat actors may exploit insecure authentication inputs like weak passwords or easily guessable security questions to gain unauthorized access. Additionally, poor implementation of two-factor authentication (2FA) or insecure management of tokens and sessions on the client side can further expose the app to attacks. When these vulnerabilities are present, attackers can automate the process of testing and exploiting them, making it easier to gain access to sensitive information and control over user accounts.

Risk factors

• Insecure authentication input: Weak or improperly validated authentication inputs like simple passwords or inadequate security questions make it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
• Poor two-factor implementation: Inadequate or flawed implementation of 2FA mechanisms can leave users vulnerable to attacks, as it reduces the effectiveness of this critical security layer.
• Managing token and session in the client: Storing authentication tokens or managing sessions insecurely on the client side exposes them to theft or manipulation, allowing attackers to hijack user sessions or impersonate legitimate users.

Potential impact

• Failure to identify the user: Insecure authentication mechanisms can lead to a failure to correctly identify users, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the application under false identities.
• Compromised two-factor authentication: Poor implementation of 2FA can result in attackers bypassing this security feature, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the app.
• Insecure user credentials: If user credentials are not securely managed or protected, they can be stolen or exposed, leading to further exploitation, including identity theft and unauthorized account access.

App shielding for insecure authentication/authorization

Although app shielding doesn’t offer authentication mechanisms, it can be used to validate the integrity of the app on a transaction level with App Attestation. Shielding applications may also offer device binding and secure token storage through secure local storage mechanisms, so sensitive elements can be stored or deleted on devices securely.

Insufficient input/output validation

Understanding the attack scenarios

When mobile apps lack robust validation and sanitization of external data inputs, they become highly vulnerable to a variety of serious security threats. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to carry out SQL injection, command injection, and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

By injecting malicious code or commands into input fields, attackers can alter the app’s functionality, gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, and compromise the entire system. Inadequate output validation can worsen the situation, leading to data corruption or the insertion of harmful code, thus posing significant risks to both your app's integrity and its users.

Description of the threat

The failure to properly validate and sanitize external data is a critical security gap that can lead to various injection attacks. For example, SQL injection occurs when attackers manipulate database queries by injecting harmful SQL commands through input fields. Command injection allows attackers to execute unauthorized commands on the server, leading to a full system takeover. XSS attacks involve the insertion of malicious scripts into web pages, which are then executed in the users’ browsers.

These scripts can hijack user sessions, deface websites, or redirect users to malicious sites. The root of these vulnerabilities lies in inadequate input validation and sanitization, along with poor output encoding and verification, ultimately leading to security hazards.

Risk factors

• Insecure authentication input: Failing to properly validate authentication inputs like usernames, passwords, or security questions raises the likelihood of injection attacks by allowing malicious data to bypass security measures.
• Weak 2FA: Poor implementation of two-factor authentication (2FA) can expose the app to injection attacks by not securing the authentication process.
• Client-side token and session management: Storing or managing tokens and sessions insecurely on the client side makes them vulnerable to manipulation or theft, giving attackers the opportunity to exploit injection vulnerabilities.

Potential impact

• SQL injection: Using SQL injection, attackers can manipulate database queries, leading to unauthorized data access, data loss, or even full control over the database.
• Command injection: Command injection allows attackers to run arbitrary commands on the server, which could result in system compromise, data breaches, or disruption of service.

App shielding for insufficient input/output validation

App shielding implements rigorous validation mechanisms within the app’s code. It ensures all user inputs and outputs undergo thorough validation checks to prevent malicious data manipulation or injection attacks.

Insecure communication

Understanding the attack scenarios

Most modern mobile apps communicate with remote servers, transmitting data through the mobile device’s carrier network and the internet. When this data transmission is conducted in plaintext or via outdated encryption protocols, it becomes vulnerable to interception and manipulation by threat agents.

Attackers may exploit the unsecured data to steal sensitive information, engage in espionage, or commit identity theft. Potential adversaries include those on the local network (like attackers on compromised Wi-Fi), rogue carrier or network devices (like malicious routers or compromised cell towers), and malware residing on the mobile device itself.

Description of the threat

Data transmission is an important function in mobile apps, enabling communication between the app and its associated servers. But when data is transmitted without proper encryption—like using plaintext or outdated protocols—it becomes an easy target for attackers. Attackers intercept data packets, modify them, or inject malicious content into the communication stream.

Common attack vectors include compromised Wi-Fi networks, where attackers can monitor or alter traffic, and rogue network devices can manipulate data as it passes through. Additionally, malware on the device may eavesdrop on data transmissions, compromising user security. The risk is heightened by the use of insecure protocols or improper implementation of encryption—like failing to use HTTPS or neglecting certificate pinning—which are essential for ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of transmitted data.

Risk factors

• HTTP instead of HTTPS: Using HTTP instead of HTTPS for data transmission leaves the communication unencrypted, allowing attackers to easily intercept and manipulate the data.
• Incorrect SSL versions: Outdated or insecure SSL/TLS versions weaken the encryption, making it easier for attackers to decrypt and access sensitive information.
• Poor handshaking/weak negotiation: Weak or improper SSL/TLS handshaking processes, like not implementing certificate pinning, expose the app to man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, where attackers can impersonate the server or client to intercept communications.

Potential impact

• Account takeover: Intercepted data can include authentication credentials, enabling attackers to take over user accounts and gain unauthorized access to your app.
• User impersonation: Attackers can use intercepted data to impersonate legitimate users, conducting fraudulent activities or gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Data leaks: Unencrypted data transmission can lead to data leaks, where sensitive user information is exposed to unauthorized parties, resulting in privacy violations and potential identity theft.

App shielding for insecure communication

While app shielding doesn’t enforce SSL/TLS, it does verify the integrity and authenticity of your app, strengthening the handshaking process and establishing secure communication channels.

Inadequate privacy controls

Understanding the attack scenarios

Privacy controls are designed to safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII) like names, addresses, credit card details, and sensitive data like health records or political views. When these controls are inadequate, attackers can exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to PII. They can then misuse this for malicious purposes, including fraud, blackmail, or data manipulation. A PII breach can lead to serious consequences, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected data.

Description of the threat

PII protection is critical today because data breaches are becoming increasingly common. Privacy controls act as a first line of defense against unauthorized access, but when these controls are weak or improperly implemented, they leave PII exposed to attackers. Once compromised, PII can be used in numerous harmful ways—fraudsters might steal identities, blackmailers could exploit sensitive information, and cybercriminals may manipulate data for financial gain or other malicious purposes. The impact of such breaches can be far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals whose data is stolen but also the organizations responsible for safeguarding it.

Risk factors

• Insecure data storage: Storing PII without proper encryption or security protocols increases the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Lack of anonymization: Failure to anonymize PII allows attackers to trace data back to individuals, making it easier to misuse personal information.
• Inadequate authentication and authorization: Weak or poorly implemented authentication and authorization mechanisms can permit unauthorized users to access sensitive personal data.

Potential impact

• Data loss: A PII breach can lead to loss or exposure of sensitive information, harming individuals and eroding trust in the organization.
• Legal violations: Failing to protect PII adequately can lead to breaches of privacy laws and regulations, resulting in significant legal penalties and fines.
• Financial loss: The financial repercussions of a PII breach can be substantial, including costs related to legal actions, regulatory fines, and compensations for affected individuals.

App shielding for inadequate privacy controls

App shielding ensures sensitive information is encrypted and securely stored, preventing unauthorized access. Runtime monitoring and permission management also enable developers to enforce stringent privacy controls and identify potential privacy vulnerabilities.

Insufficient binary protections

​​Understanding the attack scenarios

Attackers focusing on app binaries pursue various objectives— from extracting valuable secrets to compromising your app's integrity. These individuals target sensitive information like commercial API keys or cryptographic data embedded within the binary. The code itself can also be a target, especially when it contains critical business logic or pre-trained AI models, which are highly valuable assets.

Some attackers exploit weaknesses in app binaries to uncover backend vulnerabilities, while others manipulate binaries to gain unauthorized access to premium features or distribute tampered versions with malicious code via unofficial app stores. These altered versions can divert payments meant for the legitimate provider or further spread malware.

Description of the threat

App binaries are a prime target for attackers due to the wealth of information they contain. Beyond just sensitive data, the binary code can hold proprietary algorithms, intellectual property, or components critical to your app's functionality. Attackers may reverse-engineer the binary to extract this valuable information, or modify the code to bypass security measures, enabling free access to paid features or injecting malicious code. The distribution of these compromised binaries can have far-reaching consequences, including financial loss for the original provider and potential harm to users who unknowingly download malicious versions from third-party stores.

Risk factors

• Unobfuscated code: Code that hasn’t been obfuscated is more easily understood and analyzed by attackers, increasing the likelihood of reverse engineering and data extraction.
• Weak encryption algorithms: Using weak or outdated encryption methods to protect sensitive information within the binary makes it easier for attackers to decrypt and access confidential data.
• Insufficient anti-tampering measures: Without robust anti-tampering controls, attackers can modify the binary code to alter its behavior, remove security features, or add malicious functionality.

Potential impact

• Reverse engineering: When attackers reverse-engineer a binary, they can uncover proprietary code, extract sensitive data, or discover vulnerabilities that could be exploited for further attacks.
• Code tampering: Tampered binaries can lead to unauthorized access to premium features, altered app functionality, or the introduction of malicious code that compromises user data or device security.
• Malware distribution: Compromised binaries distributed through unofficial channels can spread malware to a wide audience, leading to widespread infections, data breaches, and significant reputational damage for the app provider.

App shielding for insufficient binary productions

App shielding enhances resilience through techniques like code obfuscation, encryption, and runtime checks. Additionally, runtime application self-protection (RASP) capabilities detect and respond to malicious activities dynamically, bolstering the app’s defenses against potential threats.

Security misconfigurations

Understanding the attack scenarios

Security misconfiguration in mobile apps arises when security settings, permissions, and controls are improperly configured and create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. These misconfigurations might occur due to default settings left unchanged, overly permissive permissions, or errors during the app's configuration process.

Attackers take advantage of these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or execute malicious actions within the app. They can be anyone— from those who have physical access to the device, or malicious apps that exploit these misconfigurations to perform unauthorized actions within the app's context.

Description of the threat

Security misconfigurations represent a significant threat to mobile apps because they expose exploitable vulnerabilities. When these misconfigurations exist, they create openings for attackers to access sensitive data, take over user accounts, or even compromise entire systems. Attackers with physical access to a device or those deploying malicious apps can bypass security measures and carry out unauthorized activities, breaching your app’s security.

Risk factors

• Insecure data storage: Storing sensitive information without adequate encryption or security measures makes it vulnerable to unauthorized access, particularly in the event of a security misconfiguration.
• Poor access control: Insufficiently restrictive access controls allow unauthorized users to access sensitive functions or data within the app, increasing exploitation risk.
• Insecure communication: Not securing communication channels between the app and the server—like using HTTP instead of HTTPS—can lead to data interception and unauthorized access by attackers.

Potential impact

• Unauthorized access to data: Security misconfigurations can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, compromising the user privacy and data security.
• Account takeover: Attackers may gain control over user accounts, allowing them to perform unauthorized actions or steal personal information.
• System compromise: A successful exploitation of security misconfigurations can result in the complete compromise of the system, enabling attackers to manipulate or control the app and its data.

App shielding for security misconfiguration

App shielding restricts unauthorized access to sensitive data and resources, including debugging tools. With secure local storage (SLS) keeping files secure on end-user devices, and real-time detection and mitigation of security vulnerabilities, empowering developers to get ahead of threats.

Insecure data storage

Understanding the attack scenarios

Insecure data storage in mobile apps is a prime target for threat agents looking to exploit vulnerabilities and access sensitive information. These agents include skilled hackers, malicious insiders, state-sponsored actors, cybercriminals, script kiddies, data brokers, competitors, and even activists. They capitalize on weaknesses like weak encryption methods and improper handling of user credentials to access and manipulate sensitive data. To effectively mitigate these risks, it is essential for developers and organizations to implement robust encryption techniques and secure data storage practices.

Description of the threat

The storage of sensitive data in mobile apps without proper security measures creates vulnerabilities. Whether the threat comes from a state-sponsored entity or a lone cybercriminal, the common goal is to access valuable information like user credentials, personal data, or business secrets. These attackers exploit vulnerabilities in the app’s storage mechanisms to steal, manipulate, or inject malicious content. The consequences of insecure data storage can be severe, leading to data breaches, compliance violations, and significant financial losses for the organization.

Risk factors

• Compromised file systems: A compromised file system can lead to unauthorized access to stored data, allowing attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive information.
• Incorrect use of keyboard caching: Storing sensitive input data in keyboard caches without proper security measures can expose this information to attackers who can retrieve it later.
• Screen readers: Insecure handling of data with screen readers can allow unauthorized individuals to intercept and access sensitive information.

Potential impact

• Data tampering: Insecure data storage can lead to unauthorized modifications of sensitive data, resulting in compromised data integrity and potential misuse of the information.
• Compliance violations: Failing to secure stored data can result in breaches of data protection regulations, leading to legal penalties, fines, and reputational damage.
• Malware injection: Weaknesses in data storage practices can be exploited to inject malware into the app, leading to further security breaches and the potential spread of malicious software.

App shielding for insecure data storage

App shielding detects rooting/jailbreaking, thwarts emulators, and monitors device permissions. It also blocks screen readers and keyloggers, while offering secure local storage with device binding—a way to tie mobile apps to devices and prevent unauthorized access.

Insufficient cryptography

Understanding the attack scenarios

Threat agents exploiting insecure cryptography in mobile apps can severely undermine the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of sensitive data. These agents can be attackers who specifically target cryptographic algorithms to decrypt protected data, or malicious insiders who may manipulate cryptographic processes or leak encryption keys. State-sponsored actors often conduct sophisticated cryptanalysis to gather intelligence, while cybercriminals exploit weak encryption methods to steal data or commit financial fraud. Additionally, attackers can leverage vulnerabilities in cryptographic protocols or libraries to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Description of the threat

Insecure cryptography poses a significant risk to mobile apps, as it can lead to the exposure and misuse of sensitive data. Attackers may exploit weaknesses in encryption algorithms to decrypt data that was thought to be secure, or they may identify flaws in cryptographic libraries that allow them to bypass encryption altogether.

Sometimes, state-sponsored actors may engage in cryptanalysis to break cryptographic defenses and access valuable intelligence. Malicious insiders can further compromise cryptographic security by manipulating the encryption process or leaking keys, leading to unauthorized access to confidential information. The failure to implement strong cryptographic practices can result in a variety of security breaches, including data theft, fraud, and the loss of intellectual property.

Risk factors

• Weak encryption algorithms: The use of outdated or weak encryption algorithms makes it easier for attackers to decrypt sensitive data, leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Vulnerable cryptographic libraries: Utilizing cryptographic libraries with known vulnerabilities exposes your app to potential attacks, as these weaknesses can be exploited to bypass encryption.
• Outdated or misconfigured hash functions: Relying on outdated or improperly configured hash functions can result in weak data integrity checks, making it easier for attackers to tamper with or forge data.

Potential impact

• Unauthorized access: Exploiting insecure cryptography can allow attackers to decrypt sensitive information, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
• Intellectual property theft: Weak cryptographic defenses can result in the theft of proprietary algorithms, designs, or other intellectual property, causing financial and competitive harm.
• Data breach: Insecure cryptographic practices can lead to the exposure of sensitive user data, resulting in data breaches that carry legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

App shielding for insufficient cryptography

App shielding keeps the security mechanisms within an app intact, shielding apps from repackaging attempts, and ensuring local data is both non-copyable and sufficiently encrypted. It also offers secure mechanisms to encrypt secrets/data in the app and on the device.

Mapping the OWASP Top 10 (2024) to Promon SHIELD®

Promon SHIELD® protects your code, your data, and secures your intellectual property. Developed to defend your iOS and Android apps against both static and dynamic attacks, SHIELD™ is the reliable response to malware, repackaging, and tampering attempts.

Countless organizations across the globe trust SHIELD™ to safeguard their brand, revenue, and reputation—and to protect billions of end-users.

Here’s how Promon SHIELD® can help you keep up with security best practices and the OWASP Top 10.

Why app developers choose Promon

Our app shielding software requires minimal security knowledge and takes care of the complexities of app security. Promon SHIELD® dramatically accelerates your apps time-to-market and works smoothly with your dev team’s favorite CI/CD tools. Our app shielding solutions:

• Protect more than 2 billion end users
• Integrates with any CI/CD in minutes
• Offers multi-layer, self-reinforcing protection for mobile apps
• Can be implemented post-compile to minimize impact on the development workflow
• Works on-premises for 100% control

A quick reference guide to the OWASP Top 10 Mobile Threats (2024)

M1: Improper credential usage

Threat actors who exploit hardcoded credentials and improper credential handling in mobile apps may employ automated attacks with readily available or custom tools. These attackers can potentially discover and misuse hardcoded credentials or take advantage of vulnerabilities caused by improper credential management practices.

M2: Inadequate supply chain security

Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in the mobile app supply chain to manipulate application functionality. They insert malicious code or modify the build process to introduce backdoors, spyware, or other harmful elements. This enables them to steal data, spy on users, or take control of devices. Exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party software libraries, SDKs, vendors, or hardcoded credentials can lead to unauthorized data access, denial of service, or complete takeover of the mobile app or device.

M3: Insecure authentication/authorization

Threat actors exploiting authentication and authorization vulnerabilities usually employ automated attacks with readily available or custom tools.

M4: Insufficient input/output validation

Insufficient validation and sanitization of external data in mobile apps can lead to severe security risks, including SQL injection, command injection, and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. These vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized data access, app manipulation, and system compromise. Inadequate output validation may also allow for data corruption or malicious code injection, posing further risks to users.

M5: Insecure communication

Apps today communicate with remote servers, sending data through the mobile device’s carrier network and the internet. But if this data transmission occurs in plaintext or through outdated encryption protocols, threat agents can intercept and modify it. These agents may aim to steal sensitive information, conduct espionage, or commit identity theft. The threats include adversaries on your local network (say a compromised Wi-Fi), rogue carrier or network devices (like routers or cell towers), and malware on your mobile device.

M6: Inadequate privacy controls

Privacy controls protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII), including names, addresses, credit card details, and sensitive personal data like health or political opinions. Attackers may misuse PII for fraud, blackmail, or data manipulation. PII breaches can compromise confidentiality, integrity, or availability.

M7: Insufficient binary protections

Attackers targeting app binaries have diverse motives. They may seek valuable secrets like commercial API keys or cryptographic data embedded within the binary. Additionally, the binary’s code itself, containing critical business or logic or pre-trained AI models, could be valuable. Some attackers exploit app binaries to explore backend weaknesses. They may manipulate binaries to access paid features for free or distribute modified versions containing malicious code via third-party stores, redirecting payments meant for the original provider.

M8: Inadequate privacy controls

Security misconfiguration in mobile apps occurs when security setting, permissions, and controls are improperly configured, leading to vulnerabilities and unauthorized access. Attackers exploit these misconfigurations to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or execute malicious actions. Threat agents include attackers with physical device access or malicious apps exploiting security misconfigurations to perform unauthorized actions.

M9: Insecure data storage

Insecure data storage in mobile apps attracts various threat agents aiming to exploit vulnerabilities and access sensitive information. These agents include skilled adversaries, malicious insiders, state-sponsored actors, cybercriminals, script kiddies, data brokers, competitors, and activists. They exploit weaknesses like weak encryption and improper handling of user credentials. Implementing robust encryption and secure data storage practices is crucial for developers and organizations to mitigate these risks.

M10: Insufficient cryptography

Threat agents exploiting insecure cryptography in mobile apps can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of sensitive data. These agents encompass attackers targeting cryptographic algorithms to decrypt data, malicious insiders manipulating cryptographic processes or leaking keys, state-sponsored actors conducting cryptanalysis for intelligence, cybercriminals exploiting weak encryption for data theft or financial fraud, and attackers leveraging vulnerabilities in cryptographic protocols or libraries.