Penetration Testing

DEFINITION

What is mobile application penetration testing

Mobile application penetration testing is a security evaluation process aimed at identifying vulnerabilities within mobile apps, typically on Android and iOS platforms, by simulating real-world cyberattacks. This assessment helps ensure the app is securely developed and resistant to threats such as data leakage, poor authentication mechanisms, insecure communication, and reverse engineering. The test involves both static and dynamic analysis of the application, reviewing how it stores data, communicates with servers, and adheres to platform-specific security guidelines.

benefits

Why should you do it

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Improved Security

Mobile app testing helps identify and remediate potential security vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of data breaches, unauthorised access, and malicious exploitation.

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Regulatory Compliance

Thorough testing ensures that the application complies with industry standards and legal requirements such as GDPR, which is essential for protecting user data and avoiding penalties.

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Increased Trust and Reputation

Delivering a reliable and secure app builds user trust, fosters customer loyalty, and strengthens the organisation’s reputation in a competitive marketplace.

methodology

Our approach

Attack Vector recognises industry-standard methodologies when assessing client infrastructure. We believe that clients deserve more than just a report with a list of vulnerabilities. Context is crucial, therefore we aim to describe not only vulnerabilities from a technical perspective but how they affect the environment, users and the wider business.

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Information Gathering

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Static Analysis

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Dynamic Analysis

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API and Network Communication

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Local Data Storage Analysis

The first phase, Reconnaissance and Information Gathering, involves collecting preliminary data about the application. This includes identifying the app’s version, platform (Android or iOS), third-party libraries, and associated backend services. Resources such as the Google Play Store, App Store, or application documentation are analysed to understand the app’s architecture and behaviour before deeper testing begins

Next, Static Analysis is performed by examining the application’s code and file system without executing it. The mobile app binary (APK for Android or IPA for iOS) is decompiled to investigate the underlying code for hardcoded credentials, exposed API keys, insecure configurations, and misuse of platform-specific permissions.

Following this, Dynamic Analysis is carried out in a controlled environment while the app is running. The goal is to monitor the app’s real-time behaviour and interactions with its environment. This includes intercepting and analysing network traffic, manipulating runtime behaviour, and detecting unintended data transmissions.

During API and Network Communication Testing, the app’s interactions with backend servers are closely examined. Testers intercept API calls to identify vulnerabilities like weak authentication, data leakage, or misconfigured endpoints. Secure communication standards such as TLS/SSL, certificate pinning, and proper use of encryption are also validated.

Local Data Storage Analysis focuses on how sensitive data is stored on the device. This involves checking whether information such as login tokens, personal data, or credentials is stored securely and not in plaintext or unprotected local files. The app’s shared preferences, local databases (like SQLite), cache directories, and external storage are reviewed, especially in rooted or jailbroken environments.

FAQ

Further Information

Can mobile apps be tested without access to the source code?

Yes. While having the source code can enhance static analysis, mobile apps can also be tested in a “black-box” manner, using just the compiled app binary (APK for Android or IPA for iOS) for reverse engineering and dynamic testing.

How is mobile app testing different from web app testing?

While both focus on security flaws, mobile app testing includes platform-specific considerations such as device storage, application permissions, mobile OS security features, and the risk of reverse engineering the mobile binary. Web app testing, on the other hand, concentrates on vulnerabilities in browser-based systems.

What is mobile application penetration testing?

Mobile application penetration testing is a security assessment that simulates real-world cyberattacks on mobile apps (Android or iOS) to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and misconfigurations. The goal is to discover and fix issues before they can be exploited by malicious attackers.

What standards are followed during the penetration test?

Reputable testers follow established frameworks such as the OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG), OWASP Mobile Top 10, and the Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) to ensure thorough and standardised assessments.

What types of issues can mobile app testing uncover?

Testing can reveal a wide range of issues, including insecure data storage, weak authentication mechanisms, vulnerable APIs, data leakage, insecure communication (e.g. lack of HTTPS), reverse engineering threats, and broken access controls.

Why is it important to test mobile applications?

Mobile apps often handle sensitive data such as personal information, payment details, and authentication credentials. Penetration testing helps ensure that the app is secure against threats, complies with industry regulations, and protects both user data and the organisation’s reputation.