AES-256 and Auth Module Security Assessment

Client:

HIDEEZ — a developer of digital identity solutions

Industry:

Healthcare

Focus:

Protecting personal and corporate data for B2B users

Main challenge:

Security verification of a custom AES-256 encryption implementation and authentication mechanism prior to new product release

Market:

Ukraine, with a focus on international B2B markets

Services provided:

White-box pentest, Security code review, SAST & DAST

Key Takeaways

Reduced crypto risk to low level pre-release

Fixed critical issue in under 48 hours

Identified 6 vulnerabilities: 1 critical, 2 medium, 3 low

Conducted a white-box pentest of cryptography and authentication mechanisms

Implemented recommendations based on OWASP ASVS

hours to fix a critical vulnerability

vulnerabilities identified and resolved

weeks total project duration

AES-256 and Auth Module Security Assessment

Feb 14, 2025

14 min

Can encryption and authentication mechanisms be production-ready in just 3 weeks? Yes! HIDEEZ turned to Datami to assess its custom solutions — AES-256 encryption and authentication modules. Datami’s experts conducted a white-box pentest, identified critical vulnerabilities, and helped reduce the risk of data compromise to a low level.

HIDEEZ is a Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) that develops innovative digital identity solutions. Its product lineup includes wearable devices and software components for authentication, tailored for a B2B audience.

Operating in a high-risk cybersecurity domain and handling both personal and corporate data, HIDEEZ considers security a critical factor in maintaining customer trust.

Objectives and Challenges

HIDEEZ initiated a security review of its encryption and authentication system ahead of a major product update to validate the robustness of its custom AES-256 encryption and authentication implementation.

The project aimed to identify vulnerabilities, assess security risks, and verify the resilience of critical system components.

Conduct a white-box pentest with access to the source code of the encryption and authentication modules
Perform static application security testing (SAST) and dynamic application security testing (DAST) with a focus on cryptographic mechanisms
Deliver a comprehensive report detailing identified vulnerabilities and technical recommendations for strengthening system security

Pentest execution

White-box testing of cryptographic and authentication components

Vulnerability identification

SAST code analysis, DAST testing, and manual attack simulation

Report and recommendations

Detailed risk descriptions and technical recommendations for security improvement

Datami methodology: HIDEEZ security testing

Our approach

Datami conducted a targeted security assessment of HIDEEZ’s encryption and authentication modules, analyzing source code and authorization logic.

The primary method was a white-box pentest, in which the team had access to source code to review critical components in depth.

We combined static code analysis using tools, manual functionality auditing, attack simulation, and thorough encryption verification.

Despite limited access to only parts of the codebase, the team successfully identified significant vulnerabilities and proposed effective improvements.

White-box

Testing was performed with full access to the source code, enabling realistic attack simulations and providing an objective view of the product’s security posture.

Key project stages and solutions

During the project, Datami analyzed the provided fragments of HIDEEZ’s source code, focusing on encryption and authentication. Reviewing the authorization logic and cryptographic implementation helped identify critical risk areas.

Due to limited access, the team created a simulated environment and adapted the testing process without requiring full product deployment.

Preparation

Review of source code, clarification of technical details, creation of a simulation environment, and planning of test scenarios focused on cryptography and AES-256-related authentication risks.
Testing

White-box pentest using Graudit, Burp Suite, custom scripts, SAST analysis, decompilation, and manual attack simulation to identify weaknesses in encryption and authorization logic.
Analysis and reporting

A detailed report outlining identified vulnerabilities, risk assessments, and recommendations for enhancing security.

Fewer critical risks — more confidence

Results and recommendations

Before the project began, the security level of the HIDEEZ product was assessed as high risk due to insufficient review of custom encryption and authentication implementations.

During the white-box pentest, the Datami team identified 6 vulnerabilities: 1 critical (in data encryption), 2 medium (in authentication logic), and 3 low (e.g., hardcoded values in the code).

HIDEEZ received clear recommendations to enhance security:

updating the cryptographic library and improving the AES-256 implementation;
reviewing the security of API calls and eliminating potential vulnerabilities;
conducting regular code reviews and integrating SAST into CI/CD processes.

After implementing the recommendations, the risk level was reduced from high to low. The successful security optimization helped avoid potential data leaks and reputational damage.

The project was completed in 3 weeks instead of the typical 4–5. The critical vulnerability was resolved by the client in under 48 hours.

Key project outcomes

Thanks to Datami, HIDEEZ received a targeted security testing of its cryptographic mechanisms and authentication systems in just 3 weeks.

During the project, the submitted code was reviewed prior to release, and 6 vulnerabilities were identified. The implemented recommendations reduced the risk level from high to low. All tasks were completed on time.

The case study demonstrates that even cybersecurity companies need independent audits.

Aspect

Before the project

After implementation

Security status

High risk due to untested encryption modules

Risk level reduced to low after implementing changes

Account compromise

Potential risk due to authentication logic

Reduced after updating algorithms and validation mechanisms

Security compliance

Partial alignment with OWASP security standards

OWASP ASVS practices implemented, access control strengthened

Timeline

Market average: 4–5 weeks

Completed in 3 weeks

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