VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are marketed as tools to safeguard user privacy, encrypt internet traffic, and ensure anonymity online. But shocking new research suggests that some popular VPN apps may actually expose users to greater risks instead of protecting them.
A collaborative study by experts from Arizona State University, Citizen Lab, and Bowdoin College uncovered severe flaws across multiple VPN providers. These issues affect over 700 million users worldwide and stem from fundamental security misconfigurations, deceptive ownership practices, and the use of outdated cryptographic methods.
Let’s explore what the researchers found, which VPN apps are affected, and what this means for everyday users.
The Research Findings: A Breakdown
Hidden Connections Between Providers
The investigation revealed that three groups of VPN providers—Innovative Connecting, Autumn Breeze, and Lemon Clove—are linked through shared infrastructure and cryptographic materials.
Despite appearing as independent companies, these providers distribute multiple apps under different brand names, including:
- Turbo VPN
- VPN Proxy Master
- Snap VPN
- and several others
This hidden ownership raises concerns about transparency and accountability, especially given the scale of their user base.
Hard-Coded Credentials: A Major Risk
Perhaps the most alarming discovery was the use of hard-coded Shadowsocks passwords within the applications.
- These credentials are embedded directly in files such as
assets/server_offline.ser. - They are further processed using a function (
NativeUtils.getLocalCipherKey) inside the shared librarylibopvpnutil.so. - The result: attackers with knowledge of these hard-coded values can decrypt user traffic in real-time.
This completely undermines the fundamental promise of VPN services—secure and private communication.
Deprecated Cryptography in Use
The analysis also showed that these apps rely on outdated Shadowsocks configurations using the rc4-md5 cipher suite, which is:
- Cryptographically weak
- Lacking integrity checks
- Vulnerable to decryption oracle attacks
In essence, anyone with the right knowledge can intercept, analyze, and decode supposedly encrypted traffic.
How the Vulnerabilities Work
Shared Infrastructure Design
The study revealed that multiple apps shared identical:
- Configuration files
- Libraries
- Encryption parameters
Within the libopvpnutil.so library, researchers found explicit references to several VPN app package names, indicating centralized development and deployment.
When a user connects, the app first tries to fetch configuration files from remote servers. If that fails, it falls back on the hard-coded credentials, making it trivial for attackers to exploit.
Credential Sharing Across VPNs
Because all these apps rely on the same credentials:
- An attacker can extract Shadowsocks passwords from one app
- Use them to gain unauthorized access to other related VPN services
- Even map the providers’ infrastructure by testing credentials across IP ranges
This creates a massive security blind spot where attackers can establish unauthorized tunnels, posing risks not only to users but also to the integrity of the VPN infrastructure itself.
Why This Matters for Users
- False Sense of Security
Users install these VPN apps believing their communications are encrypted. In reality, weak encryption and hard-coded keys leave them exposed.
- Data Privacy at Risk
Sensitive information such as browsing habits, login credentials, and private communications can be intercepted.
- Global Scale of Exposure
With more than 700 million users affected, the risks are not isolated but widespread across countries and demographics.
- Trust and Transparency Issues
Hidden ownership and deceptive branding practices raise questions about the true intentions of these providers.
How to Protect Yourself
- Avoid Free VPNs: Free services often come with hidden trade-offs, including weak security.
- Check for Transparency: Look for providers that clearly disclose their ownership, server locations, and security audits.
- Choose Proven Encryption: Ensure the VPN supports modern protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN instead of outdated ones.
- Stay Updated: Keep VPN apps updated to minimize the risk of known vulnerabilities.
- Use Trusted Providers: Prefer VPNs with independently verified SOC 2, ISO 27001, or security audit reports.
Final Thoughts
The recent findings serve as a wake-up call for anyone relying on VPN apps for privacy and security. While VPNs can be powerful tools, not all providers operate with transparency or implement proper cryptographic protections.
The vulnerabilities identified in Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, and Snap VPN highlight how mismanagement and hidden ownership can put millions of users at risk.
For individuals and businesses, the takeaway is clear: Do your homework before trusting a VPN provider. Security should never be taken for granted, and not all VPNs are created equal.
By choosing reputable services, staying informed, and avoiding free or opaque providers, users can regain control over their digital privacy.