Broken Object Level Authorisation (BOLA) arises when APIs expose endpoints handling object identifiers without adequate access control measures. This vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate object IDs to gain unauthorised access to data.
SLAP (Speculative Execution via Load Address Prediction) and FLOP (False Load Output Prediction) are vulnerabilities that exploit the speculative execution feature in Apple’s processors. Speculative execution is a performance optimisation technique where the processor predicts future instructions and executes them in advance. While this significantly improves device speed and efficiency, it also creates a window of vulnerability.
Extraneous functionality can be defined as any feature or functionality that is present in a mobile application but is either unintentional or no longer needed. It may be left over from earlier stages of the development process, such as during testing or debugging, or added for convenience but overlooked as the application moves closer to production. Regardless of the reason for its existence, extraneous functionality represents a security risk.
Reverse engineering is the process of analysing a system or software to understand its components, functionality, and architecture. In the context of mobile apps, reverse engineering typically involves deconstructing an app’s compiled code to reveal its source code, data structures, and logic. The goal may be to identify vulnerabilities, extract sensitive data, or alter the app’s behaviour for malicious purposes.
Code tampering occurs when an attacker manipulates or alters the source code, binaries, or execution flow of a mobile application. This tampering can take various forms, including modifying the code to bypass security checks, reverse engineering to steal intellectual property, or injecting malicious code to steal sensitive data. Mobile apps, which often handle sensitive information like personal data, payment details, and corporate data, are prime targets for these attacks.