Mobile Security
iOS & Android Penetration Testing
Static analysis, dynamic runtime testing, and API communication security for iOS and Android apps.
What is Mobile Security?
Mobile applications introduce a unique attack surface that differs fundamentally from web applications — local data storage, binary code that can be reversed, device-level permissions, biometric bypass opportunities, and backend API endpoints that are often less hardened than web-facing counterparts.
Our mobile security assessments combine static analysis (decompilation and reverse engineering of the app binary), dynamic analysis (runtime instrumentation using Frida, network traffic interception, and SSL pinning bypass), and server-side API testing to give you complete coverage of the mobile attack surface.
We test against the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) and the Mobile Top 10, covering insecure data storage, improper session handling, code tampering, reverse engineering exposure, and communication vulnerabilities specific to mobile clients.
Why it matters
- Mobile apps often cache sensitive data (auth tokens, PII, financial data) in insecure locations readable by any app on a rooted device
- Hardcoded API keys and credentials in mobile binaries are discovered by attackers within hours of app store release using automated extraction tools
- Mobile API endpoints are often less protected than web endpoints — they assume the client app is trusted, creating BOLA and excessive data exposure risks
- App store takedowns for security incidents carry severe reputational damage, often faster and more visible than web breach notifications
- GDPR and DPDPA obligations extend fully to data processed by mobile applications
Our methodology
1. Static Analysis (SAST)
Decompilation (APKTool, jadx for Android; Hopper, Ghidra for iOS) to analyse source code and resources for hardcoded secrets, insecure cryptography, vulnerable third-party libraries, and improper data handling.
2. Dynamic Analysis (DAST)
Runtime testing using a physical device or emulator with Frida instrumentation — bypassing SSL pinning, hooking authentication functions, monitoring file system writes, and observing runtime behaviour under manipulation.
3. Network Traffic Analysis
Full interception and analysis of all network communication using Burp Suite — testing for certificate validation issues, insecure protocol versions, sensitive data in transit, and backend API vulnerabilities specific to the mobile context.
4. Reporting & Developer Guidance
Findings mapped to OWASP MASVS and Mobile Top 10 with platform-specific remediation guidance — distinguishing issues for the mobile development team from those for the backend API team.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need the app in a debug build or the production release?
We test the production release that your users download from the App Store or Play Store — this gives the most realistic assessment. A debug build is useful as an optional supplement if you want us to skip binary hardening issues that only affect production builds.
Can you test both iOS and Android versions?
Yes. We test both platforms, and the findings often differ significantly between them due to platform-specific data handling and permission models. Most clients test both simultaneously to understand their full mobile exposure.
How do you handle SSL pinning in mobile apps?
SSL pinning is bypassed using Frida scripts and platform-specific techniques. This is a standard part of our dynamic analysis — we need to intercept traffic to perform thorough testing. The bypass itself is documented but not treated as a separate finding unless the implementation has specific weaknesses.
We don't have a jailbroken iPhone — do we need one?
For iOS testing, we use our own lab devices (jailbroken iPhones running Checkra1n or Palera1n). You do not need to provide jailbroken devices. For Android, we use both rooted physical devices and the Android emulator as appropriate.
Do you test the backend API as part of this engagement?
Yes. All APIs that the mobile app communicates with are tested as part of the engagement — this is where many of the most critical mobile vulnerabilities exist. If your API is also consumed by a web frontend, our API Security service provides standalone coverage.
Deliverables
MASVS-Mapped Technical Report
Findings mapped to OWASP MASVS L1/L2 with CVSS scores and PoC evidence
Static Analysis Report
Full output of binary analysis including discovered secrets, permissions, and code issues
Network Traffic Evidence
Captured and annotated HTTP/S traffic showing communication vulnerabilities
Frida Scripts
Custom scripts developed during engagement shared for your own internal testing
Platform-Split Remediation Guide
Separate guidance sections for mobile developers and backend API teams
Retest Report
Post-fix verification of critical and high findings on the updated app build
Industries served
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