Know Your SDKs: Protect Your Mobile Apps and Users from Hidden Risks
The Hidden Risks in Mobile SDKs
Many app developers are unaware of the potential misuse of their platforms for unauthorized data collection, especially through advertising networks embedded in Software Development Kits (SDKs) in their app’s supply chain. These hidden risks can lead to:
Regulatory compliance violations, including Global Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) breaches
Class-action lawsuits and significant financial penalties
Erosion of customer trust and brand reputation
Collection and targeted exploitation of sensitive personal data for targeted purposes
By integrating third-party SDKs without proper vetting, developers may unknowingly introduce vulnerabilities into their apps. This can have devastating consequences for both businesses and their customers.
Mitigate Risks with a Know Your SDK (KYS) Strategy
A robust “Know Your SDK” (KYS) strategy is essential to mitigating the hidden risks in mobile SDKs. By performing both static and dynamic mobile application security testing, security analysts and developers can:
Understand what data SDKs collect
Identify where the collected data is sent and who has access
Detect potential compromises and security issues.
Curious if your mobile app is at risk? Submit your app for a high-level analysis and SDK review from NowSecure.
Real-World Examples of SDK Vulnerabilities
Gravity Analytics Breach (2024)
The Gravity Analytics breach revealed that popular apps, including Grindr, Tinder and Muslim Pro, facilitated the collection of sensitive user location data. Although some companies said they had not collaborated with Gravity Analytics, their data was exploited via ad networks. Key examples include:
Grindr: “Grindr has never collaborated with or provided data to Gravity Analytics… We do not share geolocation data with ad partners.”
Flightradar24: “We display ads, which help keep Flightradar24 free,” yet they denied knowledge of Gravity Analytics.
Pushwoosh: Mobile Engagement SDK (2023)
The Pushwoosh customer engagement SDK linked to Russian embedded itself into many apps without developers realizing its origin. This incident raised concerns about espionageand created critical supply-chain vulnerabilities.
Mintegral: Mobile Advertising SDK (2020)
The Mintegral SDK was discovered to contain a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability. This flaw, potentially an intentional backdoor, compromised user data and highlighted how insecure SDKs can undermine entire apps.
Vungle: Mobile Advertising SDK (2017)
A flaw in the Vungle SDK allowed attackers to exploit arbitrary file write and remote code execution. This vulnerability posed significant risks, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access and potentially distribute malware. Businesses using this SDK faced financial and reputational damage.
Proactive Measures to Protect Your Mobile Apps
Unchecked SDKs can expose your apps to serious risk, including data breaches, compliance violations and reputational damage. To mitigate these risks, organizations must adopt a proactive mobile application risk management approach.
Steps To Mitigate Risk
Test Your Mobile App Binary: Use static and dynamic analysis tools such as NowSecure Platform to identify SDK data collection and transmission practices.
Monitor SDK Updates: Regularly audit SDKs integrated into your apps for changes that may introduce security or privacy risks.
Request a Free High-Level Review: Submit your app for a high-level assessment of SDKs and sensitive data transmission.
Take the first step: Adopt a ”‘Know Your SDK” approach and test your app today to build a secure, compliant mobile ecosystem.