Thick Client Application Security

A thick client, also known as a Fat Client, is a client that operates independently of the server in a client-server architecture or network. In these applications, most of the processing takes place on the client-side, with just a periodic link to the server.

What is a thick client?

Thick clients are large applications that typically require device installation on the client-side (user computer). These programmes use a lot of memory and use all of the computer's resources. This means that the application's protection is reliant on the local computer.

Why is thick client application security important?

Thick clients are often unsuitable for public settings. Rather than just maintaining the programmes on the server, IT must manage all systems for software deployment and updates to keep a thick client. Furthermore, wide clients often need specific software, which adds to the work and limits of deployment. We have done incredible work in the area of Testing for Insecure and/or Deprecated Cryptographic Algorithms for many companies. Our previous customers have loved our work and given us 5-star ratings in the same field.

On the Many thick client applications aren't thoroughly examined because security testing efforts primarily focus on web and mobile applications.
other hand, these programmes might have significant security flaws, such as memory corruption vulnerabilities, injection vulnerabilities, cryptographic flaws, and client-side confidence issues.

Such flaws can result in the complete compromise of systems where the thick client software is installed and unauthorized access to server-side data. Thick client systems use proprietary communication protocols which require both local and server-side processing.

DigiAlert offers a smooth approach that is as different as your software

Since thick client applications are more complex and personalized than web or mobile applications, vulnerability evaluation and penetration testing approaches for thick client applications vary significantly. After understanding the application in terms of technology used, features, behaviour, and entry points for user inputs, fundamental security mechanisms used by the application, languages and frameworks, we offer a very detailed approach to evaluating these applications.

Our thick client application evaluations begin with a risk-based examination of your thick client applications and the server-side APIs with which it interacts. The following are some of the findings of the investigation:

Areas of the system with a high risk of failure
Attackers with Assets
Attack vectors that could be used

We will create a blueprint for evaluating your thick client applications using this information and a list of your business risks.

Our Track of Analysis

Scanner that is automated

To find common issues in thick client applications, we use a proprietary method. Our experts will use the platform to examine the thick client's network contact, interprocess communication, operating system interactions, and more.

Analyze the Configuration

Analysis of Network Connectivity

Analyze the Server

Analyze the client

We work beyond the Boundaries

Since your thick client applications can involve intellectual property belonging to your company, you want them to be immune to reverse engineering and alteration. You won't know how easily an attacker can reverse engineer or change your client-side code without the expert study of binary hardening mechanisms. We've tested obfuscated and hardened software, as well as breaching security measures like white-box cryptography.

The thick client application testing methodology used by DigiAlert starts with a thorough understanding of the application's features. Since each user can have different permissions and functionalities, we navigate all UI elements with multiple users. The application's robust coverage and a low number of false positives are ensured by a hybrid testing approach that includes automated tools and manual testing.

What is our Methodology?

1. Pre-Engagement
In this section, we'll talk about timelines, scoping, venue, testing time of day, and other things you'll need to get started with the assessment.

2. Examine the Application
Our security testers understand application architecture and Identifying the Languages and Frameworks Used as part of thick client application security. A detailed understanding of the thick client app allows testers to think like attackers and go beyond the application's intended use cases.

3. Vulnerabilities analysis

Penetration Testing

It is the method of identifying vulnerabilities in client-side and server-side attacks that an attacker might exploit. If the possible threats have been established, a test plan is developed to exploit them.

Client-side Analysis

Using several methods, we examine the dense client programme itself. Depending on the software and attacks that are of concern. Memory dumps, checking IPC channels for privilege escalation, fuzzing file inputs, and in-depth reverse engineering are all possible activities.

Analysis of Server side code

Most thick clients use server-side features, and an excellent server-side code will impact all thick clients or major data stores. During this process, we use a variety of manual and automated tools to examine the server software.

4.Fixes and Solutions: When vulnerabilities are discovered using our managed security testing tools, each one is ranked based on the threat it presents to the company, rather than a generic ranking. Our experts also provide remediation advice so that your developers can fix these flaws faster and remain focused on the product.

5.Prepare a report: Make recommendations and perform a debriefing on the vulnerabilities that have been found.

6.Validation for a second time: We will perform another round of testing to validate identified issues once the recorded vulnerabilities have been resolved.

Why Choosing us?

We will perform another round of testing to validate identified issues once the recorded vulnerabilities have been resolved.
Prevent unauthorized external sources from altering existing data.
Customers' trust and confidence should be established.
Avoid financial damage as a result of security breaches.
Identify suspected security flaws until attackers discover them.