OWASP Mobile Top 10 - M5: Insecure Communication

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Insecure Communication in Mobile Applications

Threat Agents

Mobile applications often exchange data over networks, making them vulnerable to interception if insecure communication methods are used. Threat agents include:

  • Attackers on the same network (e.g., compromised Wi-Fi).
  • Rogue network devices (e.g., malicious routers, proxy servers).
  • Malware on the mobile device.
Attack Vectors

Many apps rely on SSL/TLS, but flaws like:

  • Deprecated protocols or weak configurations.
  • Accepting invalid SSL certificates.
  • Inconsistent encryption across workflows.

Security Weakness & Impact

  • Common & Detectable: Many apps have security inconsistencies.
  • Severe Impact: Can lead to data leaks, account takeovers, and identity theft.
  • Moderate Business Impact: Privacy violations, fraud, and reputational damage.

Are You Vulnerable?

Any insecure transmission of sensitive data (e.g., passwords, session tokens, encryption keys) is a risk. This applies to data moving via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, SMS, and other communication channels.

Prevention Best Practices

  • Always use strong SSL/TLS with trusted certificates.
  • Avoid mixed SSL/non-SSL sessions and certificate validation overrides.
  • Implement certificate pinning and require SSL chain verification.
  • Alert users if invalid certificates are detected.
  • Encrypt sensitive data before transmission.

Platform-Specific Guidelines

  • iOS: Ensure NSURL calls do not allow invalid certificates. Consider Secure Transport API.
  • Android: Avoid overriding SSL validation methods. Implement proper certificate checks.

Common Attack Scenarios

  1. Certificate Acceptance Flaws – The app trusts any certificate, allowing MITM attacks.
  2. Weak Cipher Negotiation – Apps negotiate weak encryption, exposing data.
  3. Privacy & Credential Leaks – Data is sent over non-secure channels, exposing sensitive information.
  4. 2FA Bypass – Session identifiers are intercepted, allowing unauthorized access.

Using secure communication protocols and proper validation methods is critical to protecting mobile app data.



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