This article explores cybersecurity flaws in dating apps, specifically injection attacks and cross-site scripting (XSS) exploits. The article uses HackTheBox OnlyHacks challenge for demonstration.
Interesting Fact: Dating Apps & Cybercrime
In 2020, a major vulnerability in Tinder’s API allowed attackers to track users’ locations with pinpoint accuracy!
How Dating Apps Are Vulnerable
Like any other web applications, dating apps store and process sensitive user data—making them prime targets for attackers. In the past, apps like Tinder and Bumble have been exposed to data breaches and exploits.
The video below walks through a real-world penetration testing scenario, where an attacker tries to exploit security weaknesses in a dating app.
The Attack Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Creating an Account & Interacting with the App
- The tester registers a new user and sets up a profile.
- After signing up, they check out the matches and messaging features.
- They inspect the app’s URL parameters and user interactions.
Step 2: Finding a Security Flaw in Messaging
- The attacker injects HTML code into the chat system to see if the app executes it.
- Since the app renders the HTML instead of blocking it, this confirms a potential XSS vulnerability.
Step 3: Executing a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attack
- The attacker inserts a script (
<script>alert('Hello')</script>) to test stored & reflected XSS. - The browser executes the script, proving the vulnerability.
- Next, the attacker injects a malicious XSS payload to steal cookies.
Step 4: Stealing User Session Cookies
- Using a cookie stealer script, the attacker sends session data to their own server.
- They analyze the cookie data and use it to hijack another user’s session.
- By modifying their own browser’s cookies, they gain access to another user’s account—allowing them to read and send messages as that user.
The Real-World Impact of This Attack
Account Takeovers – Attackers can impersonate users and access personal messages.
Data Theft – Sensitive user information (like emails, preferences, and photos) can be exposed.
Platform Exploitation – The flaw can be weaponized for large-scale attacks affecting thousands of users.
Biggest Dating App Data Breaches & Cyber Attacks
1. Ashley Madison Hack (2015) – The Biggest Dating Scandal Ever
What happened?
- Ashley Madison, a dating site for married people seeking affairs, was hacked by a group called “The Impact Team.”
- The hackers stole and leaked32 million user records, including:
- Real names, email addresses, and home addresses
- Credit card transactions
- Secret messages between users 😨
- Hackers demanded the site shut down, or they’d release the data. The company refused, and the hackers leaked everything online.
Why was this so bad?
- Many users registered with work emails, exposing government officials, celebrities, and executives.
- Multiple users reported blackmail attempts and relationship breakups.
- Some people took their own lives after being exposed. 💀
What went wrong?
- Weak encryption – Passwords were stored using outdated security methods.
- Fake account deletions – Ashley Madison charged users to delete accounts, but kept their data anyway.
2. Tinder Location Leak (2020) – Stalking Made Easy
What happened?
- A cybersecurity team discovered a flaw in Tinder’s API that allowed attackers to track user locations within 100 feet.
- The vulnerability could be used to:
- Find someone’s exact location by triangulating their position.
- Track a user’s movement over time.
Why was this dangerous?
- Stalkers & predators could use this to physically track people.
- Tinder knew about the flaw for years but didn’t fix it right away.
What went wrong?
- Tinder’s API didn’t properly encrypt location data.
- The app’s “distance” feature made it easy to pinpoint exact coordinates.
3. Grindr Data Exposure (2018-2021) – Outing LGBTQ+ Users
What happened?
- Grindr, a dating app for LGBTQ+ users, leaked private data, including:
- HIV status & last test date (2018)
- Exact GPS locations of users (2021)
- The HIV data leak was especially alarming, as it could be used for discrimination & blackmail.
Why was this a big deal?
- Many Grindr users live in countries where being LGBTQ+ is illegal.
- Governments, hackers, or criminals could track & harm users.
- Grindr shared user data with third-party advertisers without proper consent.
What went wrong?
- Weak API security – The app exposed too much personal information.
- Lack of privacy protection – Users weren’t informed about how their data was being shared.
4. Bumble’s Account Takeover Flaw (2020)
What happened?
- A security flaw in Bumble let hackers take over ANY account with just a phone number! 📱
- Attackers could:
- Log in as other users
- Read private messages
- Change profile details
Why was this bad?
- No password was needed—just a phone number and a few simple commands.
- Hackers could impersonate users and steal personal information.
What went wrong?
- Bumble didn’t verify login requests properly.
- No two-factor authentication (2FA) was required for logins.
How Can Dating Apps Protect Against This?
To prevent XSS & injection attacks, developers should:
✅ Sanitize & escape user inputs – Don’t allow raw HTML or JavaScript execution.
✅ Use Content Security Policy (CSP) – Restrict script execution from untrusted sources.
✅ Implement HTTP-only & Secure cookies – Prevent JavaScript-based cookie theft.
✅ Use parameterized queries – Stop SQL injection & similar attacks.
