Application Keychain Security refers to the secure handling and storage of sensitive credentials, tokens, and cryptographic material within an application’s secure storage mechanisms—such as the iOS Keychain or Android Keystore. Improper usage of these mechanisms can lead to unauthorized access, credential theft, and privilege escalation. Testing this area ensures that sensitive data is stored securely, accessed only by trusted components, and not exposed through misconfigurations or weak access controls.
Common Keychain Security Tests (examples):
1. Insecure Storage of Sensitive Data
Testing whether passwords, API tokens, or encryption keys are stored in plaintext or weakly protected storage, rather than using secure platform-specific methods.
2. Improper Keychain Access Controls
Evaluating whether sensitive data stored in the keychain or keystore is appropriately scoped—e.g., only accessible by the owning app or process.
3. Keychain Data Enumeration
Checking if it is possible to list or extract stored entries without proper authorization, potentially exposing sensitive application secrets.
4. Hardcoded Keys or Tokens in Secure Storage
Identifying whether sensitive values—meant to be dynamic or externally provided—are hardcoded into the keychain or keystore, weakening their security.
5. Misuse of Cryptographic APIs
Testing whether the application securely generates, stores, and accesses cryptographic keys, and whether deprecated or insecure algorithms are used.
6. Lack of Keychain Data Expiry or Rotation
Reviewing whether stored sensitive data is refreshed periodically or remains indefinitely without re-authentication or rotation mechanisms.