> series: anatomy_of_a_breach —— part: 116 —— target: t-mobile_us —— records: 2,000,000 —— method: api_vulnerability<span class="cursor-blink">_</span>_
On 24 August 2018, T-Mobile US disclosed that hackers had exploited an API vulnerability to access the personal data of approximately 2 million customers. The stolen data included names, email addresses, phone numbers, billing zip codes, and account numbers — though T-Mobile stated that no passwords, financial data, or Social Security numbers were compromised.
The breach was notable for two reasons: first, it was the latest in a series of T-Mobile security incidents documented throughout this series — following the T-Mobile UK insider breach of 2009 (Breach #007). Second, it was yet another API vulnerability — joining Moonpig (zero authentication), Snapchat (enumeration), and the AT&T iPad breach (IDOR) in the growing catalogue of API security failures that have appeared throughout this series. Our API penetration testing addresses exactly this vulnerability class.
We'll scope your test for free and tell you exactly what you need. No obligation, no hard sell.
Free Scoping CallThe T-Mobile API breach — the latest in a decade-long series of API security failures documented in this series — reinforces that API testing must be a routine component of every organisation's security programme. APIs change frequently, new endpoints are added with every release, and each new endpoint is a potential vulnerability. API penetration testing must be conducted regularly — not just at launch, but with every significant change to the API surface.
Our API testing covers authentication, authorisation, rate limiting, input validation, data exposure, and business logic flaws. Cyber Essentials mandates baseline application security. SOC in a Box monitors for API abuse. And UK Cyber Defence provides incident response when API vulnerabilities are exploited.
Our <a href="/penetration-testing/api">API penetration testing</a> covers the OWASP API Security Top 10. <a href="/cyber-essentials">Cyber Essentials</a> mandates baseline controls. <a href="https://www.socinabox.co.uk">SOC in a Box</a> monitors for API abuse.
We'll scope your test for free and tell you exactly what you need. No obligation, no hard sell.
Free Scoping Call