Introduction to Mobile Security Testing
Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) evaluates the security of iOS and Android applications. With billions of mobile users, securing mobile apps is critical for organizations.
Mobile Threat Landscape
Statistics:
75% of mobile apps fail basic security tests
25% have at least one high-risk vulnerability
Average app has 39 security issues
Data leakage is most common
Testing Objectives
Goals:
Identify vulnerabilities
Assess data protection
Evaluate authentication
Test business logic
Verify secure communications
OWASP Mobile Top 10
M1: Improper Platform Usage
Issues:
Misuse of platform features
Ignoring platform security controls
Improper keychain usage
Misconfigured permissions
M2: Insecure Data Storage
Issues:
Plaintext sensitive data
SQL database exposure
Log file leakage
Shared preferences exposure
M3: Insecure Communication
Issues:
Missing certificate validation
Clear text traffic
Weak SSL/TLS
Certificate pinning bypass
M4: Insecure Authentication
Issues:
Weak authentication
Missing session management
Client-side authentication
Credential storage
M5: Insufficient Cryptography
Issues:
Weak algorithms
Hardcoded keys
Improper key management
Deprecated ciphers
M6: Insecure Authorization
Issues:
Client-side authorization
Missing server validation
Privilege escalation
IDOR vulnerabilities
M7: Client Code Quality
Issues:
Buffer overflows
Format string issues
Memory leaks
XSS in WebViews
M8: Code Tampering
Issues:
Lack of integrity checks
Missing code signing
Debuggable apps
No anti-tampering
M9: Reverse Engineering
Issues:
No obfuscation
Exposed logic
Readable code
Hardcoded secrets
M10: Extraneous Functionality
Issues:
Debug modes enabled
Test backdoors
Hidden functionality
Admin interfaces
Testing Methodology
Static Analysis
Techniques:
Decompilation
Code review
Manifest analysis
Permission review
String extraction
Tools:
MobSF
JADX (Android)
Hopper (iOS)
APKTool
Dynamic Analysis
Techniques:
Runtime analysis
API monitoring
Traffic interception
Debug hooking
Memory analysis
Tools:
Frida
Objection
Burp Suite
Charles Proxy
Network Analysis
Techniques:
Traffic capture
SSL/TLS analysis
API testing
Certificate validation
iOS Testing
Environment Setup
Requirements:
macOS system
Jailbroken device (optional)
Xcode
Testing tools
iOS-Specific Checks
Test Areas:
Keychain usage
Data Protection classes
Binary protections
IPC mechanisms
URL schemes
Tools for iOS
Essential Tools:
Frida iOS
Objection
Class-dump
Cycript
SSL Kill Switch
Binary Analysis
Checks:
PIE enabled
Stack canaries
ARC usage
Bitcode
Code signing
Android Testing
Environment Setup
Requirements:
Android Studio
ADB access
Rooted device (optional)
Emulator or device
Android-Specific Checks
Test Areas:
Manifest permissions
Content providers
Broadcast receivers
Service exposure
File storage
Tools for Android
Essential Tools:
Frida Android
APKTool
JADX
Drozer
Android Debug Bridge
APK Analysis
Checks:
Debuggable flag
Backup flag
Exported components
Permissions
Certificate analysis
Data Storage Testing
iOS Data Storage
Check Locations:
Keychain
NSUserDefaults
SQLite databases
Plist files
Cache directories
Android Data Storage
Check Locations:
SharedPreferences
SQLite databases
Internal storage
External storage
Application logs
Common Findings
Issues Found:
Plaintext credentials
Sensitive data in logs
Unencrypted databases
Cache data exposure
Backup extraction
Authentication Testing
Test Cases
Verify:
Password policies
Session management
Token handling
Biometric implementation
Local authentication
Common Vulnerabilities
Issues:
Weak passwords accepted
Session fixation
Token in URL
Missing logout
Insecure biometrics
Network Communication Testing
SSL/TLS Testing
Checks:
Certificate validation
Certificate pinning
Protocol versions
Cipher suites
Trust anchor issues
API Security
Tests:
Authentication
Authorization
Input validation
Rate limiting
Error handling
Reporting
Report Structure
Sections:
Executive summary
Methodology
Findings
Risk ratings
Remediation
Technical details
Finding Classification
Severity Levels:
Critical: Remote code execution
High: Data theft possible
Medium: Limited impact
Low: Informational
Informational: Best practice
Remediation Guidance
Secure Coding
Recommendations:
Use platform security features
Encrypt sensitive data
Implement certificate pinning
Obfuscate code
Implement anti-tampering
Security Controls
Controls:
Root/jailbreak detection
Debugger detection
Integrity verification
Secure storage usage
Proper logging
Conclusion
Mobile application security testing requires understanding platform-specific risks and testing techniques. By following OWASP guidelines and using appropriate tools, organizations can identify and remediate mobile app vulnerabilities effectively.