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Introduction

warning

I don't do as much mobile app testing these days, but I am slowly working on updating all of this documentation to ensure it covers the latest releases:

  • iOS 17 & 18
  • Android 14 & 15

Additionally, I will be expanding the iOS section with more advanced information, and introducing a Linux environment setup for when a macOS system is not available.

As a mobile application penetration tester, your primary objective is to identify security vulnerabilities on both iOS and Android platforms before malicious attackers can discover and exploit them.

Version: 8.0.0 - May 2024

iOS Mobile Application Testing:​

a. Static Analysis:

  • Obtain the application binary (IPA file) from the App Store or the developer, if possible.
  • Use static analysis tools like class-dump, Hopper, or commercial tools to disassemble the binary and review the application's code and resources.
  • Look for sensitive data stored in code or resources, such as API keys, passwords, or private keys.
  • Check for any insecure coding practices, hard-coded values, or clear text storage of sensitive data.

b. Dynamic Analysis:

  • Run the application on an iOS device using tools like Frida.
  • Monitor network traffic to identify if the app communicates securely and if any sensitive data is transmitted over insecure channels.
  • Test for runtime vulnerabilities, such as insecure data storage or memory management issues.
  • Identify potential areas for input validation and boundary testing.

c. Jailbreak and Root Detection:

  • Test the application's response to jailbroken or rooted devices, as they may be more vulnerable to attacks.
  • Check if the app has implemented any jailbreak or root detection mechanisms and analyze their effectiveness.

d. Secure Communication:

  • Evaluate the implementation of secure communication protocols like TLS/SSL.
  • Verify that the application enforces certificate pinning to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

e. Authentication and Authorization:

  • Test the strength of user authentication mechanisms, including password policies and multi-factor authentication (if available).
  • Check for authorization issues, ensuring users can only access their own data.

f. Data Storage:

  • Assess the security of local data storage, ensuring sensitive data is encrypted and properly protected.

g. Code Review:

  • Conduct a thorough manual code review, focusing on security-critical parts of the application.
  • Look for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure data handling.

h. Business Logic Flaws:

  • Analyze the application's business logic to identify any potential vulnerabilities or logic flaws.

Android Mobile Application Testing:​

a. Static Analysis:

  • Obtain the application's APK file from the Google Play Store or the developer.
  • Utilize static analysis tools like APKTool, JADX, or commercial tools to decompile the APK and review the application's code and resources.
  • Look for sensitive data stored in code or resources, similar to the iOS testing process.

b. Dynamic Analysis:

  • Run the application on an Android device or emulator using tools like Android Studio, ADB, or Frida.
  • Monitor network traffic to identify insecure communication and data leakage.
  • Test for runtime vulnerabilities, such as insecure data storage, memory leaks, or unintended data exposure.

c. Root Detection and Emulator Detection:

  • Test the application's response to rooted devices and emulators, as they may pose additional security risks.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of any root and emulator detection mechanisms implemented by the app.

d. Secure Communication:

  • Evaluate the implementation of secure communication protocols and check for certificate pinning.

e. Authentication and Authorization:

  • Test the strength of user authentication mechanisms, including password policies and the use of multi-factor authentication (if applicable).
  • Check for authorization issues to ensure that users can access only their appropriate data.

f. Data Storage:

  • Assess the security of local data storage, ensuring sensitive data is encrypted and adequately protected.

g. Code Review:

  • Conduct a manual code review, paying close attention to security-critical components.
  • Look for common vulnerabilities like insecure data storage, input validation issues, and potential backdoors.

h. Business Logic Flaws:

  • Analyze the application's business logic to identify any potential vulnerabilities or logic flaws that could lead to security breaches.

i. Obfuscation and Tampering:

  • Check if the application uses obfuscation techniques to protect sensitive code and data from reverse engineering.
  • Test the app's resistance to tampering and modification.

j. Third-party Libraries:

  • Review third-party libraries used in the application to ensure they are up-to-date and free of known vulnerabilities.

k. Code Injection and Reverse Engineering:

  • Attempt code injection and reverse engineering techniques to uncover potential security weaknesses.

Remember that mobile application security testing is an iterative process, and it's essential to document all findings and provide clear and actionable recommendations to the development team for remediation. Additionally, ensure that you have proper authorization and consent from the application owner before conducting any penetration testing.