Explore key concepts in mobile application security with this quiz, featuring questions on the OWASP Mobile Security Top 10. Designed for beginners, it covers common vulnerabilities, risks, and secure development practices relevant to mobile app security.
Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the risk of insecure data storage in mobile applications?
Explanation: Storing user passwords in plain text on a device is an example of insecure data storage, which can allow attackers to steal sensitive information if the device is lost or compromised. Using multi-factor authentication and resetting sessions are secure practices, not risks. Encrypting data in transit protects information from interception, but does not relate to how it is stored on the device.
What is a primary risk when a mobile app sends sensitive information over an unencrypted HTTP connection?
Explanation: Sending sensitive information over unencrypted HTTP exposes data to interception by attackers, especially on unsecured networks. Battery drain and frequent crashes are unrelated to encryption. Automatic logout is a security feature, not a vulnerability.
If a mobile app allows unlimited login attempts without any account lockout, which OWASP Mobile Top 10 risk does this represent?
Explanation: Allowing unlimited login attempts without lockout makes the app vulnerable to brute-force attacks, a form of insecure authentication. Insufficient cryptography refers to weak algorithms, not login processes. Weak server-side controls are broader and not specific to authentication. Lack of updates is about missing security patches, not login security.
Which practice reflects insufficient cryptography in a mobile application?
Explanation: Using outdated encryption algorithms puts sensitive data at risk and is a clear example of insufficient cryptography. Security training and session management are positive security practices, not vulnerabilities. Two-factor authentication improves security rather than creating risk.
What is an example of insecure authorization in a mobile app?
Explanation: When any user can access admin functions without authorization checks, it means authorization is insecure. Encrypting user data and secure tokens are best practices. Input verification helps prevent injection, not authorization issues.
Which situation best illustrates the risk of code tampering in mobile apps?
Explanation: Code tampering involves attackers altering the app to disable or bypass security features, such as authentication. Timeout features and secure data synchronization are unrelated to tampering. Changing UI themes is a user feature, not a security threat.
If a mobile app transmits sensitive user information without using TLS or SSL, what type of OWASP mobile security risk does this pose?
Explanation: Not using TLS or SSL for transmitting sensitive information leaves data vulnerable during transmission, which is classified as insecure communication. Excessive data collection relates to privacy risks, not communication security. Usability and device fragmentation are unrelated to this security concern.
What kind of flaw does the use of insecurely written mobile code, such as failing to handle input validation, represent?
Explanation: Failing to validate input is an example of poor client code quality, which can lead to vulnerabilities like code injection. Secure server integration, enhanced cryptography, and limited permissions are unrelated or positive security attributes, not flaws.
Why is using outdated third-party libraries a common security concern in mobile app development?
Explanation: Outdated libraries can have unpatched vulnerabilities, exposing apps to attacks. While they might slightly increase app size, that is not a primary security concern. Network speed and battery efficiency are performance metrics and not related to library security.
What potential issue can arise if a mobile app does not terminate sessions after users log out?
Explanation: If sessions are not properly terminated upon logout, unauthorized users might still access sensitive data, posing a security risk. Automatic updates and push notification issues are not linked to session management. Storage increase is also unrelated.