Overview
Mobile application testing is the process of identifying security flaws in Android and iOS apps. It involves analyzing source code, reverse engineering binaries, inspecting app behavior at runtime, and ensuring data protection. This page will walk you through key techniques and tools used by ethical hackers to secure mobile apps.
🧪 Testing Phases
1. Static Analysis
Analyze the app's source code or decompiled binaries without running it. Focuses on permissions, API usage, hardcoded secrets, and insecure configurations.
2. Dynamic Analysis
Run the app in a test environment to observe its runtime behavior, traffic, storage access, and potential data leaks or misconfigurations.
3. Reverse Engineering
Dissect the app binary (APK or IPA) to understand logic, bypass restrictions, or uncover hardcoded secrets.
4. Common Vulnerabilities
Identify weaknesses like insecure data storage, improper certificate validation, weak authentication, and exposed APIs.
📋 Step-by-Step Mobile App Pentesting
🔍 Step 1: Recon & Setup
- Install tools:
adb,MobSF,Frida,Apktool,Jadx - Use a rooted Android emulator (e.g., Genymotion or Android Studio with root image)
- Pull the APK with
adb pullor download it via tools like APKPure
🧬 Step 2: Static Analysis
- Decompile APK:
apktool d app.apk - Check for hardcoded API keys, secrets, URLs in
strings.xmlorsmalifiles - Review
AndroidManifest.xmlfor permissions and exported components - Scan with
MobSFfor automated static insights
🧪 Step 3: Dynamic Analysis
- Install app in test device:
adb install app.apk - Proxy network traffic via Burp Suite (set proxy in device Wi-Fi settings)
- Use
FridaorObjectionto hook methods at runtime - Check logcat:
adb logcat | grep -i error
🕵️♂️ Step 4: Reverse Engineering & Exploitation
- Use
Jadxorbytecode-viewerto inspect Java code - Patch login checks, disable SSL pinning, bypass root detection
- Look for hidden debug menus, test exported activities with
adb shell am start
🌐 Real-World Example: SSL Pinning Bypass
# Detect SSL pinning via Frida
frida -U -n com.example.app -l frida-ssl-pinning-bypass.js
# Start app and intercept traffic in Burp after bypass
💡 Practical Tips
- Always test in isolated virtual devices or physical test phones
- Use automation tools like MobSF to speed up early discovery
- Never trust client-side logic — most controls should be server-side
- Capture all findings in a report, including screenshots and logs