OWASP Mobile Security Project
The OWASP Mobile Security Project is a comprehensive resource for mobile application security. It provides developers and security teams with the knowledge and tools needed to build secure mobile applications.
2024 Mobile Security Statistics
83%
Apps with Security Issues
Based on security testing76%
Data Storage Risks
Insecure data handling91%
Network Vulnerabilities
Insecure communications68%
Authentication Issues
Weak authenticationImproper platform usage occurs when mobile apps fail to use platform security features correctly:
- Incorrect implementation of platform security controls
- Misuse of platform APIs
- Failure to use platform security features
- Insecure platform configuration
Insecure data storage vulnerabilities include:
- Unencrypted sensitive data
- Weak encryption implementation
- Insecure file permissions
- Insecure database storage
Insecure communication vulnerabilities include:
- Insufficient TLS/SSL implementation
- Weak cipher suites
- Certificate validation issues
- Insecure data transmission
Insecure authentication issues include:
- Weak password policies
- Insecure biometric implementation
- Session management flaws
- Authentication bypass vulnerabilities
Insufficient cryptography issues include:
- Weak encryption algorithms
- Insecure key management
- Poor random number generation
- Insecure cryptographic implementation
Insecure authorization issues include:
- Missing access controls
- Insufficient permission checks
- Privilege escalation vulnerabilities
- Insecure role management
Client code quality issues include:
- Buffer overflows
- Memory leaks
- Insecure coding practices
- Poor error handling
Code tampering vulnerabilities include:
- Binary patching
- Code injection
- Dynamic code loading
- Insufficient integrity checks
Reverse engineering vulnerabilities include:
- Insufficient obfuscation
- Weak anti-tampering controls
- Exposed sensitive information
- Insecure debugging features
Extraneous functionality issues include:
- Hidden backdoors
- Debug code in production
- Unused features
- Insecure configuration options
| Rank | Vulnerability | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Improper Platform Usage | Misuse of platform security features and APIs | Critical |
| 2 | Insecure Data Storage | Insecure storage of sensitive data on mobile devices | Critical |
| 3 | Insecure Communication | Insecure data transmission between client and server | Critical |
| 4 | Insecure Authentication | Weak authentication mechanisms and session management | High |
| 5 | Insufficient Cryptography | Weak encryption implementation and key management | High |
| 6 | Insecure Authorization | Insufficient access controls and permission checks | High |
| 7 | Client Code Quality | Poor code quality leading to security vulnerabilities | High |
| 8 | Code Tampering | Vulnerabilities allowing code modification | High |
| 9 | Reverse Engineering | Vulnerabilities enabling code analysis and extraction | Medium |
| 10 | Extraneous Functionality | Hidden features and backdoors in production code | Medium |
Based on the OWASP Mobile Security Project, organizations must implement robust security measures and regular security testing to protect their mobile applications. Proper security controls, secure coding practices, and regular updates are essential for mitigating these risks.