There are 7 billion mobile devices in use. They are pretty much all connected to the internet and run multiple applications. The OWASP Mobile Top 10 describes the highest security vulnerabilities mobile application face. Guess what? Supply chain security in mobile apps is #2 on that list. 

Let’s look at what it is and what it means for companies that rely on applications more and more every day.

Where is my supply chain vulnerable?

Supply chain attacks have been growing steadily, and as a matter of fact, they were not even on the OWASP Mobile Top 10 last year. This alone is saying something. 

Third-party code is embedded in everything, making the attack surface much bigger. Pirates are able to manipulate an app’s functionality by exploiting vulnerabilities within the app supply chain. They can introduce backdoors and spyware to gain access to data, spy on users, and even take control of the mobile device. 

There are many supply chain vulnerabilities that are easy for attackers to exploit, particularly insecure coding practices and a lack of security in components or libraries sourced from third parties.

Extremely impactful attacks

The technical impact of such attacks is wide-ranging and alarming, encompassing data breaches, malware infections, unauthorized access, and even the compromise of entire systems. However, the consequences extend beyond the purely technical side of things.

Companies face significant financial losses due to managing the aftermath of a breach, which can lead to:  

  • customers end up losing trust 
  • damage to the company’s reputation
  • legal and regulatory consequences
  • disruption of the supply chain, resulting in delay

How can you protect your supply chain efficiently?

In response to these growing threats, we have designed a versatile solution: Verimatrix XTD. 

We offer a comprehensive approach to supply chain security. XTD is able to detect known malware in code libraries and alert developers during integration. We keep track of deployment issues and are able to alert you right away if your application is downloaded or sideloaded from sites other than the official app stores.

We detect threats early, so you’re protected throughout the entire development process

One of the key strengths of Verimatrix XTD lies in its ability to identify supply chain code issues at an early stage of development. By prompting developers to whitelist safe IP addresses and alerting them to unauthorized connections, Verimatrix XTD empowers developers to mitigate risks before they escalate. This proactive approach not only enhances the security of mobile applications but also streamlines the development process by addressing vulnerabilities early on.

The “not” so surprising inclusion of inadequate supply chain security in the OWASP Mobile Top 10 list highlights the critical importance of addressing this vulnerability in mobile app development. It is crucial for companies to adopt proactive measures to protect their supply chain. Security should not be played with; it needs to be of the utmost priority.  

Learn more about mobile threats in our latest OWASP Mobile Top 10 Whitepaper.