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OWASP Risks Atlasby Jer Catallo

Issue Details

Lack of Secure Update Mechanism

iot04 • Rank #4 in OWASP 2023

Explanation

IoT devices require secure update mechanisms to patch vulnerabilities throughout their lifecycle. Insecure updates can be intercepted, modified, or replaced with malicious firmware. Many IoT devices lack update capabilities entirely, leaving known vulnerabilities unpatched. Secure updates must verify authenticity, integrity, and compatibility.

Remedy

Implement secure firmware updates with cryptographic signature verification. Use encrypted transport for update delivery. Verify update integrity before installation. Provide a mechanism for rollback if updates fail. Support over-the-air (OTA) updates throughout device lifecycle.

YearRankCategory
2018#4iot04 - Lack of Secure Update Mechanism
2022#4iot04 - Insecure Data Handling and Privacy