In this lesson,
we'll cover the OWASP
Mobile Application Security Verification standard or MASVS.
This standard helps set baseline security standards
to protect mobile applications.
We'll dive into the purpose of the MASVS
and a structured approach to mobile security,
and why it's an important resource
for securing mobile applications.
MASVS is designed to guide the implementation
of security measures in mobile applications.
It breaks down these requirements into control groups,
each labeled MASVS-XXXXX.
These groups target major areas
of a mobile app's attack surface
and are tailored to mitigate specific security risks
in mobile environments.
Let's start with MASVS-STORAGE.
This group focuses on the secure storage of sensitive data,
like personal details, user credentials,
and financial information.
It ensures these are protected through good encryption
and that the app prevents data leakage.
These practices shield sensitive data
from unauthorized access and potential breaches.
Next, we have MASVS-CRYPTO,
which centers on cryptographic measures
to protect sensitive data.
This control emphasizes using strong,
industry-standard encryption methods
to safeguard data both in transit and at rest.
It ensures cryptographic keys are of sufficient length
and that key management follows industry best practices.
Then we have MASVS-AUTH covering authentication
and authorization processes.
This control ensures mobile apps implement strong mechanisms
to verify user identities
and grant appropriate access rights.
It involves using secure protocols,
performing local authentication securely, and securing
sensitive operations with additional authentication.
MASVS-NETWORK addresses the security
of network communications between the mobile app
and remote endpoints.
It prescribes measures to protect data
in transit against interception, tampering
and eavesdropping, often using protocols like SSL/TLS.
It also involves certificate pinning
to ensure only specific CAs are trusted.
MASVS-PLATFORM focuses on how securely the app interacts
with the underlying mobile platform
and other apps on the same device.
It addresses issues like inter-process communication,
WebViews, and user interfaces.
For example, it ensures
that sensitive data isn't unintentionally leaked
through platform mechanisms like auto-generated screenshots.
MASVS-CODE deals with the secure development
and maintenance of the app's code.
It emphasizes keeping the app
and its operating system up to date to enhance security.
It also stresses treating all incoming data as untrusted
and properly verifying
and sanitizing it to prevent vulnerabilities
like SQL injections or cross site-scripting.
MASVS-RESILIENCE is all about the app's ability
to withstand and respond
to reverse engineering and tampering efforts.
It includes strategies for detecting
and mitigating attempts to alter the app's code
or behavior, using techniques like anti-static
or anti-dynamic analysis.
And lastly, we have MASVS-PRIVACY,
which emphasizes implementing privacy controls that align
with privacy laws and regulations.
Apps should request only essential data
and ensure informed user consent.
Data sharing with third parties should be necessary
and based on user consent
with strong enforcement against third-party SDKs
or software development kits that bypass consent protocols.
To support MASVS,
OWASP offers the Mobile Application Security Testing Guide
and the OWASP MAS Checklist.
These resources help developers and security testers
validate the security controls outlined in MASVS
and ensure compliance with the standards.
The MAS Testing Guide
provides a detailed testing framework,
while the MAS Checklist offers a practical format
for assessing security features in the app.
So remember, the OWASP MASVS is a valuable toolkit
for everyone involved in development, testing,
and security assessment of mobile apps.
By following the MASVS guidelines and controls,
using the MAS Testing Guide for thorough testing,
and employing the mass checklist for compliance,
developers can build
and maintain secure mobile applications.