Security Architecture and Vulnerabilities of NFC Applications for Mobile Devices

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is increasingly being integrated into mobile devices, enabling applications such as contactless payments and public transportation access. This paper investigates the security architecture of NFC systems, focusing on mobile device implementations and the vulnerabilities they introduce. Various configurations for NFC’s Secure Element (SE), such as SD cards, multiple UICC slots, and shared SIM resources, are discussed, highlighting potential security challenges related to relay attacks, malware distribution, differential power analysis, and denial-of-service attacks. In particular, relay attacks and malware distribution are identified as significant threats that could compromise user security during transactions. The paper further explores countermeasures like two-factor authentication, distance-bounding protocols, and defensive cryptographic techniques to mitigate these risks. Additionally, it emphasizes the complexities introduced by trust issues between Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and thirdparty providers in sharing secure resources. Finally, the research suggests that while NFC itself is relatively secure, applications built on top of this infrastructure are more prone to security risks. As NFC technology continues to evolve, ensuring robust security for its applications, particularly in the financial and healthcare sectors, will be critical to its widespread adoption.