Lecture 8: MASVS - Security Checklist PDF

ITMC411 Security in mobile computing LECTURE 8 Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (Security Checklist)  The MASVS Control Groups The standard is divided into various groups of controls, labeled MASVS-XXXXX, that represent the most critical areas of the mobile a...

ITMC411 Security in mobile computing LECTURE 8 Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (Security Checklist)  The MASVS Control Groups The standard is divided into various groups of controls, labeled MASVS-XXXXX, that represent the most critical areas of the mobile attack surface:  MASVS-STORAGE: Secure storage of sensitive data on a device (data-at-rest).  MASVS-CRYPTO: Cryptographic functionality used to protect sensitive data.  MASVS-AUTH: Authentication and authorization mechanisms used by the mobile app.  MASVS-NETWORK: Secure network communication between the mobile app and remote endpoints (data-in-transit).  MASVS-PLATFORM: Secure interaction with the underlying mobile platform and other installed apps.  MASVS-CODE: Security best practices for data processing and keeping the app up-to-date.  MASVS-RESILIENCE: Resilience to reverse engineering and tampering attempts.  MASVS-PRIVACY: Privacy controls to protect user privacy.  MASVS-STORAGE MASVS-STORAGE-1: Securely Store Sensitive Data Encryption at Rest: Use strong encryption algorithms like AES-256 to protect sensitive data when stored on the device. Secure Storage Locations: Utilize platform-specific secure storage solutions, such as Android Keystore or iOS Secure Enclave, for sensitive data like keys and tokens. Key Management: Store encryption keys separately from the data and protect them using hardware-backed key management systems.  MASVS-STORAGE MASVS-STORAGE-2: Prevent Leakage of Sensitive Data No Sensitive Data in Logs: Avoid logging sensitive data or exposing it in error messages or stack traces. Exclude from Unencrypted Backups: Ensure sensitive data is not included in backups unless encrypted first. Data Minimization: Store only the minimum amount of sensitive data required for the app's functionality. Secure Data Transfer: Prevent sensitive data from being stored in insecure locations or transmitted unencrypted.  MASVS-STORAGE Best Practices: Platform-Specific Solutions: Use Keychain on iOS and Keystore on Android for secure data storage. Regular Security Audits: Perform code reviews, penetration testing, and security audits frequently. Secure File Storage: Store sensitive files in encrypted directories or use secure file APIs provided by the platform.  MASVS-CRYPTO MASVS-CRYPTO-1: Use Strong Cryptography and Follow Best Practices Encryption Algorithms: Use secure algorithms (e.g., AES-256 for symmetric encryption, RSA-2048/3072 for asymmetric encryption). Hash Functions: Use secure functions like SHA-256 or SHA-3; avoid weak ones (e.g., MD5, SHA-1). Key Derivation: Employ KDFs like PBKDF2, bcrypt, or scrypt for handling passwords. TLS for Communication: Use TLS 1.2+ for secure data transmission. Secure Libraries: Implement cryptography using trusted libraries (e.g., BouncyCastle, OpenSSL) and keep them updated.  MASVS-CRYPTO MASVS-CRYPTO-2: Perform Secure Key Management Secure Key Storage: Use HSMs, TEEs, or platform features like Android Keystore or iOS Secure Enclave. Key Separation and Rotation: Use separate keys for different purposes and rotate them periodically. No Hardcoding: Avoid storing keys in source code or insecure locations. Key Destruction: Securely delete keys when they are no longer needed.  MASVS-CRYPTO Industry Guidelines and Best Practices Follow standards like NIST SP 800-57 and ISO/IEC 27001. Use platform-native key management solutions for mobile applications (e.g., Keychain for iOS, Keystore for Android).  MASVS-AUTH MASVS-AUTH-1: Secure Authentication and Authorization Protocols Authentication Protocols: Use OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, or SAML 2.0 for secure and standardized user authentication. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require a second authentication method (e.g., OTP or biometrics) for added security. Secure Tokens: Use secure tokens (e.g., JWT) and handle expiration/renewal properly to prevent misuse. Least Privilege Principle: Limit user access to only the permissions necessary for their role. Best Practices: Enforce strong password policies (length, complexity). Protect against brute force, credential stuffing, and session hijacking. Use TLS/SSL for secure transmission during authentication.  MASVS-AUTH MASVS-AUTH-2: Secure Local Authentication Platform-Specific Mechanisms: Use native systems like Face ID or Touch ID (iOS) and BiometricPrompt API (Android). Secure Credential Storage: Encrypt credentials and store them securely (e.g., iOS Keychain, Android Keystore). Biometric Authentication: Use biometrics securely; never store raw biometric data. Best Practices: For iOS, use the LocalAuthentication framework. For Android, use the BiometricPrompt API for secure authentication.  MASVS-AUTH MASVS-AUTH-3: Additional Authentication for Sensitive Operations Re-authentication: Require password or biometric re- authentication for critical actions (e.g., financial transactions). Session Expiry: Enforce session timeout for inactive users to prevent session hijacking. Time-Based Tokens: Use TOTP or MFA for high-risk operations. Examples of Sensitive Operations: Transferring funds or updating payment details. Accessing personal or confidential data. Modifying system-level settings or configurations.  MASVS-NETWORK MASVS-NETWORK-1: Secure All Network Traffic TLS Encryption: Use TLS 1.2 or 1.3 to secure data in transit and prevent interception or tampering. Disable Insecure Protocols: Avoid outdated protocols like SSL and early TLS versions. Certificate Validation: Always validate SSL/TLS certificates to verify server authenticity and prevent MITM attacks. Encrypt Sensitive Data: Transmit sensitive information (e.g., passwords, tokens) securely, even in trusted networks. Best Practices: Enable Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) to protect session keys. Use HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) to enforce secure connections.  MASVS-NETWORK MASVS-NETWORK-2: Perform Identity Pinning for Remote Endpoints Public Key Pinning (HPKP): Verify server public keys to ensure only authorized servers respond to app requests. TLS/SSL Certificate Pinning: Pin certificates to prevent interception via unauthorized certificates. Handle Pinning Failures: Provide secure fallback mechanisms for certificate changes, such as notifying users or stopping sensitive operations. Best Practices: Rotate pinned keys or certificates periodically. Monitor unauthorized certificate issuance using Certificate Transparency Logs.  MASVS-PLATFORM MASVS-PLATFORM-1: Secure Use of IPC Mechanisms Secure Data Sharing: Ensure that IPC mechanisms (e.g., Intent on Android, URL Schemes on iOS) do not expose sensitive data to unauthorized apps or processes. Use Strong Permissions: Implement strict permissions and ACLs to control which apps or processes can access sensitive data via IPC. Validate Data: Always validate and sanitize data received through IPC to prevent malicious input. Best Practices: Use secure flags and explicit permissions to limit communication to trusted processes. Avoid shared memory or insecure communication channels.  MASVS-PLATFORM MASVS-PLATFORM-2: Secure Use of WebViews Disable JavaScript: Only enable JavaScript in WebViews if necessary to prevent XSS attacks. Restrict Navigation: Implement URL whitelisting to ensure WebViews load only trusted domains. Secure Communication: Encrypt communication between WebViews and the app backend using TLS, ensuring no sensitive data is exposed. Best Practices: Use secure flags like setAllowUniversalAccessFromFileURLs(false) to prevent unsafe content loading. Regularly update the WebView component to the latest secure version.  MASVS-PLATFORM MASVS-PLATFORM-3: Secure Use of the User Interface Prevent Sensitive Data Exposure: Avoid displaying sensitive information on the UI unless necessary. Use secure input fields and avoid plain text display of sensitive data. Protect Against Screen Capture: Implement mechanisms to prevent screen capture or recording when displaying sensitive data. User Interaction & Authorization: Ensure secure authentication for sensitive actions and prompt for confirmation during critical operations (e.g., financial transactions). Best Practices: Use secure UI components (e.g., biometric authentication dialogs). Implement timeouts or auto-logout for sensitive data apps to prevent unauthorized access during inactivity.  MASVS-CODE MASVS-CODE-1: Use of Up-to-Date Platform Version Use the latest stable platform versions (e.g., Android 13, iOS 17) for security and performance improvements. Avoid using deprecated APIs that are unsupported in newer platform versions. Update development tools (e.g., Android Studio, Xcode) for the latest security features. Best Practices: Regularly monitor for platform updates and incorporate them into the development process. Test the app on the latest platform versions for compatibility and security.  MASVS-CODE MASVS-CODE-2: Enforcing App Updates Force updates for critical patches to address security vulnerabilities. Notify users about new versions via in-app or push notifications for non-critical updates. Secure the update Mechanism using trusted app stores or secure internal systems. Best Practices: Use feature flags or remote configuration to trigger forced updates. Implement rollback mechanisms in case an update causes issues.  MASVS-CODE MASVS-CODE-3: Use of Secure Software Components Use trusted, actively maintained libraries and frameworks with a good security record. Regularly update third-party components and patch security vulnerabilities. Avoid deprecated or unmaintained components. Best Practices: Use Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools to detect known vulnerabilities in components. Review and audit third-party components for security before integrating them.  MASVS-CODE MASVS-CODE-4: Input Validation and Sanitization Validate input types, formats, and ranges to ensure data conforms to expectations. Sanitize user-generated data to prevent injection attacks (e.g., SQL injection, XSS). Apply the principle of least privilege by limiting inputs to the minimum required. Best Practices: Use secure input handling methods like parameterized queries or ORM frameworks. Implement input whitelisting to prevent injection of dangerous characters.  MASVS-RESILIENCE MASVS-RESILIENCE-1: Platform Integrity Validation Objective: Ensure the platform hasn't been tampered with (e.g., rooting or jailbreaking). Key Actions: Use platform-specific tools (e.g., Android SafetyNet, iOS DeviceCheck) to detect root/jailbreak status. Perform integrity checks on system files and app components (e.g., file hashes, signature verification). Restrict sensitive operations to secure environments only.  MASVS-RESILIENCE MASVS-RESILIENCE-2: Anti-Tampering Mechanisms Objective: Prevent or detect tampering with the app's code or behavior. Key Actions: Code Obfuscation: Rename variables/methods to make reverse engineering harder. Anti-Debugging: Implement techniques to block debugger tools. File Integrity: Use cryptographic hashes to ensure app files haven’t been altered.  MASVS-RESILIENCE MASVS-RESILIENCE-3: Anti-Static Analysis Objective: Prevent static analysis (e.g., decompiling the app). Key Actions: Code Obfuscation and Encryption: Protect code from decompiling tools. Sensitive Data Protection: Avoid hardcoding secrets like API keys directly in the code. No Debug Info: Remove or obfuscate debug/logging information before release.  MASVS-RESILIENCE MASVS-RESILIENCE-4: Anti-Dynamic Analysis Objective: Defend against runtime analysis (e.g., inspecting app behavior during execution). Key Actions: Runtime Detection: Detect if the app is running in an emulator or controlled environment. Anti-Tamper Features: Prevent runtime debugging or manipulation (e.g., Frida, Xposed). Secure Runtime: Use secure runtime environments like Secure Enclaves for critical operations.  MASVS-PRIVACY MASVS-PRIVACY-1: Minimize Access to Sensitive Data Objective: Limit data access to only what is necessary for the app’s functionality. Key Actions: Collect only essential data; avoid sensitive data unless absolutely required. Use least privilege for sensitive resources (e.g., location, contacts, camera) with explicit user permission. Apply data minimization to ensure only necessary data is stored. Best Practices: Implement permission-based access for sensitive resources. Regularly audit the data the app collects.  MASVS-PRIVACY MASVS-PRIVACY-2: Prevent User Identification Objective: Avoid unnecessary tracking or identification of users. Key Actions: Anonymize user data where possible, especially for analytics. Use tracking technologies only with user consent and for legitimate purposes. Limit identifiable information unless needed or consented by the user. Best Practices: Implement anonymous modes or guest access where identification is not necessary. Use pseudonymization to reduce identifiable data risks.  MASVS-PRIVACY MASVS-PRIVACY-3: Transparency About Data Collection Objective: Be clear about data collection, usage, and sharing practices. Key Actions: Provide a clear, accessible privacy policy detailing data usage, storage, and sharing. Inform users of data collection at the time of request, explaining why it's needed. Data retention periods and deletion processes. Best Practices: Include a prominent link to the privacy policy in the app. Implement in-app transparency notices, especially for sensitive data (e.g., location, health data).  MASVS-PRIVACY MASVS-PRIVACY-4: User Control Over Data Objective: Allow users to manage, access, and delete their data. Key Actions: Provide users with options to view, update, and delete their data (e.g., GDPR, CCPA compliance). Enable data portability by allowing users to export their data in a readable format. Provide opt-out options for data collection or tracking without affecting core functionality. Best Practices: Implement features for account deletion and data export. Offer clear instructions on how users can manage or delete their data in the app settings.  Conclusion and Summary: 1. MASVS-STORAGE: Secure storage of sensitive data and prevention of leakage. 2. MASVS-CRYPTO: Use of strong encryption and secure key management. 3. MASVS-AUTH: Implementation of secure authentication and authorization protocols. 4. MASVS-NETWORK: Securing network communications with encryption and identity pinning. 5. MASVS-PLATFORM: Ensuring secure interaction with platform features (e.g., IPC, WebViews). 6. MASVS-CODE: Maintaining code quality, using up-to-date platform versions, and validating untrusted inputs. 7. MASVS-RESILIENCE: Defending against reverse engineering and tampering through integrity checks and anti-debugging mechanisms. 8. MASVS-PRIVACY: Protecting user privacy by minimizing data collection, ensuring transparency, and giving users control over their data.  References  OWASP MASVS Official Documentation: https://mas.owasp.org/MASVS/  OWASP Mobile Application Security Testing Guide (MASTG): https://mas.owasp.org/MASTG/  OWASP Mobile Security Testing Checklist: https://mas.owasp.org/checklists/