What Are APIs and Why Their Security Matters

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are the backbone of modern digital ecosystems, enabling seamless communication between different software applications. Every time you use an app to post on Instagram, order food, check your bank, or book a ride, you’re using APIs behind the scenes. APIs are how software systems talk to each other, and today, they power over 83% of all web traffic. However, their widespread adoption has also made them prime targets for cyberattacks. A compromised API can expose sensitive data, disrupt services, and damage an organization’s reputation.

Recent API Breaches: Technical Details and Lessons Learned

The year 2024 witnessed a significant uptick in API-related security incidents. Here are three notable breaches that underscore the importance of robust API security:

1. Trello Data Leak

• What Happened: In January 2024, over 15 million Trello user profiles were scraped and listed for sale on a dark web forum.
• Technical Cause: An exposed REST API endpoint allowed unauthenticated users to query public profile information using email addresses. This vulnerability enabled attackers to associate email addresses with Trello accounts, facilitating the mass collection of user data.
• Impact: The breach exposed usernames, full names, email addresses, and other account information, posing risks of targeted phishing attacks and identity theft.

→ Source: https://equixly.com/blog/2024/09/06/top-10-api-breaches-in-2024

2. Rabbit Inc. API Key Exposure

• What Happened: In June 2024, Rabbit Inc.’s R1 devices were found to contain hardcoded API keys for services like ElevenLabs, SendGrid, and Azure.
• Technical Cause: The API keys were embedded directly into the device’s source code, which was accessible to anyone with the device. This practice violated secure coding principles and allowed unauthorized access to sensitive services.
• Impact: Attackers could manipulate device responses, access user data, and disrupt services. The exposure led to service outages and raised concerns about the company’s security practices.

→ Source: https://www.doppler.com/blog/updated-data-breaches-caused-by-leaks-in-2024

3. DeepSeek Database Exposure

• What Happened: In January 2025, security researchers discovered that DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, had left a ClickHouse database publicly accessible without authentication.
• Technical Cause: The database was exposed via open ports (8123 and 9000) on subdomains oauth2callback.deepseek.com and dev.deepseek.com. Lack of authentication allowed anyone to execute SQL queries directly through a browser interface.
• Impact: Over a million log entries, including chat histories, API keys, and backend details, were exposed. This level of access posed significant risks, including potential privilege escalation and unauthorized access to internal systems.

→ Source: https://www.wired.com/story/exposed-deepseek-database-revealed-chat-prompts-and-internal-data

Technical Weaknesses That Enabled These Breaches

• Unrestricted public API access (Trello)
• Hardcoded API secrets in firmware or source code (Rabbit)
• Exposed databases storing sensitive API tokens (DeepSeek)

How These Breaches Could Have Been Prevented

Here are specific, actionable steps organizations should adopt:

1. Enforce Strong API Authentication and Access Controls

• Require OAuth 2.0 or mutual TLS (mTLS) for all API endpoints.
• Block anonymous or unauthenticated access to sensitive functions.
• Use API gateways to validate every request with rate-limiting, IP allowlists, and token scopes.

2. Protect API Keys and Secrets at All Costs

• Never hardcode secrets into source code or firmware.
• Use secrets management tools like HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, or Doppler.
• Rotate keys regularly and implement short TTL (Time to Live) for temporary access tokens.

3. Lock Down Databases Storing API Data

• Disable public internet access to internal databases by default.
• Enforce authentication and role-based permissions even for internal services.
• Use encryption at rest and ensure proper backup and logging to detect anomalies.

4. Apply Secure DevOps (DevSecOps) Practices

• Scan APIs during CI/CD with tools like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite.
• Perform static analysis for secret detection before code is deployed (e.g., GitGuardian).
• Run regular dynamic testing (DAST) and red team simulations targeting your APIs.

5. Monitor, Log, and Alert in Real-Time

• Implement centralized API monitoring (e.g., DataDog, WAF logs).
• Detect anomalies like high-frequency requests, unexpected input types, or token abuse.
• Set up alerts for traffic spikes or unauthorized API calls.

What We Offer

At Hacker Simulations, we specialize in comprehensive API security assessments for companies of all sizes. Our services include:

• Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing of public and internal APIs
• Secure configuration reviews and secrets audits
• Attack surface mapping and red team simulations

Ready to Find Out If Your APIs Are Secure?

Schedule a free consultation with our security experts today and learn how we can help your organization stay ahead of API threats.

We’ll walk you through a tailored action plan with no strings attached.