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.
How significant are the OWASP Mobile Top 10 threats? To put these risks into context, take a look at recent statistics:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Threat actors exploiting authentication and authorization vulnerabilities usually employ automated attacks with readily available or custom tools.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.