Major mobile combat tools and the reason Apple's 'closed system' isn't immune to malware
In the digital age, mobile devices have become a treasure trove of sensitive data, storing personal information, biometrics, and financial applications. As a result, they have become attractive targets for cybercriminals. A recent analysis sheds light on the common threats across mobile platforms, as well as platform-specific risks for both iOS and Android.
Common Threats Across Mobile Platforms
The analysis reveals that mobile devices face a myriad of threats, including Mobile Remote Access Trojans (mRATs), WiFi Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, and zero-day exploits. mRATs are malicious apps that gain unauthorized control over mobile devices, allowing attackers to steal data or spy remotely. MitM attacks occur when any type of device connects to a rogue WiFi hotspot, making mobile devices more attractive targets due to their limited screen size and simplified browsers. Zero-day attacks exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities before patches become available, posing high risks as defenses are unprepared.
Android-Specific Threats
Android-specific threats include elevated privilege exploits, permission model vulnerabilities, APK reverse engineering, and fragmentation issues. Elevated privilege exploits enable attackers to escalate permissions beyond user-level, gaining control over the device and its data. Android’s permission system can sometimes be bypassed or abused to access restricted resources. Malicious actors analyze and modify Android app packages to inject malware or bypass security controls. Older or unpatched Android versions remain vulnerable due to inconsistent updates across devices.
iOS-Specific Threats
iOS-specific threats include fake iOS certificates, malicious iOS profiles, iOS WebKit vulnerabilities, and jailbreak exploitation. Attackers use fraudulent digital certificates to sign malicious apps, bypassing Apple’s code signing checks. Configuration profiles can be abused to alter device settings or install harmful provisions without user consent. Flaws in the WebKit rendering engine (used by Safari) enable remote code execution or data leakage through malicious web content. Jailbreaking bypasses iOS sandboxing and security mechanisms, exposing the system to malware and unauthorized operations.
The analysis underscores the importance of updated patching, cautious app installation, avoiding unsecured WiFi, and using mobile security best practices. As mobile threats continue to evolve, it is crucial for organizations to have a mobile threat prevention solution that analyses apps, assesses devices for vulnerabilities, and mitigates network-based attacks.
Summary
| Threat Type | Common to Both | Android-Specific | iOS-Specific | |--------------------------------|---------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Mobile Remote Access Trojans | Yes | Yes | Yes | | WiFi Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Zero-day Exploits | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Elevated Privilege Exploits | Partial | Root exploits, permission abuse | Jailbreak exploitation | | Fake Certificates | No | Rare/uncommon | Fake iOS certificates common | | Malicious Profiles | No | Less common | Malicious configuration profiles | | WebKit Vulnerabilities | No | N/A | Vulnerabilities in WebKit engine |
The analysis was conducted by Michael Shaulov, Head of Mobility at Check Point. As mobile malware continues to proliferate, it is essential for organizations to adopt the same rigorous approaches to protecting their mobile estate as they do to the rest of their IT infrastructure.
- In the digital age, the rise of mobile devices has made them hubs for sensitive data, including personal information, biometrics, and financial applications, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
- Common threats that these devices face include Mobile Remote Access Trojans (mRATs), WiFi Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, and zero-day exploits.
- While Android devices face platform-specific threats such as elevated privilege exploits, permission model vulnerabilities, APK reverse engineering, and fragmentation issues, iOS devices are susceptible to fake iOS certificates, malicious iOS profiles, iOS WebKit vulnerabilities, and jailbreak exploitation.
- The analysis emphasizes the importance of updated patching, cautious app installation, and avoiding unsecured WiFi for protecting mobile devices.
- As mobile threats continuously evolve, it is critical for businesses to implement a mobile threat prevention solution that analyzes apps, assesses devices for vulnerabilities, and mitigates network-based attacks.
- In the finance, industry, wealth-management, business, personal-finance, banking-and-insurance, and fintech sectors, where data and cloud computing, technology, and sports (possibly sports-betting) are integral, adopting the same rigorous approaches to securing mobile estates as other IT infrastructure is essential to counteract the proliferating mobile malware.
