SSRF vulnerabilities occur when an API fetches a remote resource using a user-supplied Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) without adequate validation. This oversight allows attackers to manipulate the request, coercing the server to interact with unintended destinations. These attacks bypass traditional network controls like firewalls and VPNs, making them particularly insidious.
Cryptography, at its core, is the practice of securing communication and data through the use of algorithms and keys. For mobile apps, cryptography plays a crucial role in securing sensitive data, ensuring privacy, and maintaining the integrity of user interactions. However, *insufficient cryptography* occurs when an app fails to implement cryptographic algorithms or methods correctly, resulting in data being exposed or vulnerable to unauthorised access.
The issue of insufficient cryptography is particularly critical in mobile applications because of the increasing amount of sensitive information that these apps handle, such as financial data, personal identification information, passwords, and private conversations. Insufficient cryptography in this context means that sensitive data is not encrypted properly, or that weak or deprecated encryption methods are used, leaving the data open to attackers who can intercept, manipulate, or steal it.
OWASP Top 10: Insecure Authentication (M4) Authentication is the cornerstone of cybersecurity, serving as the digital gatekeeper for systems, applications, and data. Despite its critical importance, insecure authentication remains one of the most prevalent vulnerabilities in today’s digital landscape. The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) ranks insecure authentication as a key issue in its …
Insecure communication occurs when sensitive data is transmitted without adequate encryption or protective measures. This vulnerability enables attackers to intercept, alter, or steal data during transmission, exposing organisations to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.
Insecure data storage refers to the practice of storing data in a manner that makes it vulnerable to unauthorised access, tampering, or theft. This can occur in various forms, such as improperly encrypted files, exposed databases, or unprotected cloud storage solutions. The consequences of insecure data storage can be far-reaching, ranging from financial losses to reputational damage and legal ramifications.
Penetration testers need to thoroughly evaluate an organisation’s data storage mechanisms to identify weaknesses and implement corrective measures before malicious actors can exploit them. This is particularly important as organisations increasingly store data in cloud environments, mobile applications, and third-party servers, each introducing unique security challenges.