Posts

OWASP Top 10 - M7: Insufficient Binary Protection

Image
  Threat Agents & Attack Vectors Attackers target app binaries to steal secrets (API keys, cryptographic data), reverse-engineer critical logic (e.g., AI models), or manipulate the app (bypassing payments, injecting malware). They may also use an app to find backend vulnerabilities. Binary attacks are easy since apps can be downloaded from stores or extracted from devices. Two common methods: Reverse Engineering – Extracting secrets, algorithms, or vulnerabilities. Code Tampering – Modifying binaries to unlock paid features, bypass security, or insert malicious code. Security & Business Impact All apps are vulnerable, with higher risk for those storing sensitive data or being widely used. Hardcoded secrets are especially dangerous since leaks can be costly. Manipulated apps could damage reputation or revenue if repackaged and redistributed. Prevention Obfuscation – Makes reverse engineering harder. Minimize Local Secrets – Store only essential data in binaries. Backend ...

OWASP Top 10 : VULNERABLE AND OUTDATED COMPONENTS

Image
What are Vulnerable and Outdated Components? Using old or weak software parts can put your system at serious risk. This issue, called Vulnerable and Outdated Components , is a major security concern in the OWASP Top 10 . What’s the Risk? Every software is built using different components like libraries and frameworks. If these are outdated or have security flaws , hackers can easily exploit them . Why It Matters? 1. Data Theft – Hackers can steal sensitive information. 2. System Takeover – Attackers gain control of your system. 3. Financial Loss – Fixing breaches costs time and money. Common Causes- 1.   Using Old Software – Running outdated programs without updates. 2. Ignoring Security Patches – Not fixing known security flaws. 3. Using Weak Libraries – Third-party software that hasn’t been updated. 4. Unsupported Software – Tools that no longer get security updates. How to Stay Safe? 1.   Update Software Regularly – Always use the latest versions. 2. Apply Securit...

OWASP Top 10 - M6: Inadequate Privacy Controls

Image
Inadequate Privacy Controls Privacy controls protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) like names, addresses, payment details, and sensitive personal data. Attackers exploit PII for fraud, blackmail, or data manipulation, leading to confidentiality, integrity, or availability breaches. Threats & Risks Attack Vectors: PII is stored in app sandboxes, logs, and network transmissions. Attackers may exploit weak storage, insecure communication, or device backups. Weakness: Many apps collect excessive PII, increasing risk. Poor handling makes it easy for attackers to access. Impact: While technical damage is low, business risks are severe—legal violations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.), lawsuits, reputational harm, and financial losses. Prevention Minimize PII collection and retention. Avoid storing/transmitting PII unless necessary. Use encryption, secure storage, and authentication. Prevent logging sensitive data or exposing PII in URLs. Secure backups and ensure controlled data access....

OWASP Top 10 : SECURITY MISCONFIGURATION

Image
Security Misconfiguration is a significant concern in the OWASP Top 10 list, highlighting vulnerabilities arising from improper software and systems configurations. These misconfigurations can serve as entry points for malicious activities, leading to severe security breaches. What is Security Misconfiguration? Security Misconfiguration occurs when security settings in software applications, servers, databases, or networks are inadequately defined or left at insecure defaults. Such oversights can expose systems to potential attacks, compromising sensitive data and system integrity. Common Examples of Security Misconfiguration- Default Credentials: Leaving default usernames and passwords unchanged, making unauthorized access easier. Verbose Error Messages: Providing detailed system information in error messages that can be exploited by attackers. Unpatched Systems: Failing to apply security patches or updates, leaving known vulnerabilities unaddressed. Overly Permissive Permissions: ...

OWASP Mobile Top 10 - M5: Insecure Communication

Image
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 o...

OWASP TOP 10 : INSECURE DESIGN

Image
Insecure Design is a critical security risk highlighted in the OWASP Top 10 list, focusing on vulnerabilities arising from flaws in software architecture and design.These weaknesses can be exploited by malicious actors, leading to significant security breaches. What is Insecure Design? Insecure Design refers to shortcomings in a software system's architecture, design, or logic that can be exploited by attackers. Such flaws often result from inadequate consideration of security during the planning and design phases of software development. Common Examples of Insecure Design:- Lack of Security Policies: Not enforcing security principles, allowing unauthorized access or actions. Inadequate Authentication: Weak or absent mechanisms to verify user identities. Insufficient Access Controls: Users gaining access to data or functions beyond their permissions. Poor Input Validation: Failing to properly check user inputs, leading to potential exploits. How to Prevent Insecure Design:- 1. ...

OWASP Mobile Top 10 - M4: Insufficient Input/Output Validation

Image
Threat Overview: Failure to validate and sanitize user input and output can expose mobile apps to critical attacks like SQL injection, command injection, and XSS. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, system compromise, and application disruption. Attack Vectors: Exploitability: Difficult Prevalence: Common Detectability: Easy Impacts: Technical: Code execution, data breaches, system compromise, and app crashes. Business: Reputation damage, legal liabilities, regulatory penalties, and financial losses. Vulnerability Indicators: Lack of input validation and output sanitization Context-specific validation neglect (e.g., path traversal) Weak secure coding practices (e.g., missing parameterized queries) Prevention: Validate and sanitize all inputs/outputs. Use output encoding to prevent XSS. Implement strict context-based validation. Ensure data integrity checks. Follow secure coding practices like prepared statements. Conduct regular security testing. Example Attack Sc...