Comprehensive Mobile Application Penetration Testing:157 Test Cases [+Free Excel File]

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Even though iOS and Android come with robust security features, like secure data storage and communication APIs, they only work well if they’re set up right.

That’s why thorough mobile app penetration testing is vital—to ensure these features are correctly integrated and protect your data effectively.

What is Mobile App Pen Testing?

Mobile application penetration testing involves systematically assessing the security of mobile apps to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors.

This process typically involves simulating real-world attacks to evaluate the application’s resilience to various threats, such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and manipulation.

By conducting penetration testing, organizations can proactively identify and remediate security issues, ensuring their mobile applications’ confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data they handle.

Mobile Application Pen-Testing Techniques

Here are some common techniques used in mobile application penetration testing:

Static Analysis: This technique involves examining the application’s source code or binary without executing it. Static analysis helps identify vulnerabilities such as hardcoded credentials, insecure coding practices, backdoor entries, and other issues that can be detected without running the application.

Dynamic Analysis: Dynamic analysis involves testing the application while it’s running to identify runtime vulnerabilities. This technique includes:

• Runtime Manipulation: Testers use tools to modify the application’s runtime behavior to identify security vulnerabilities, such as insecure data storage, input validation flaws, and insecure network communication.
• Inter-Component Communication Testing: Assessing how different components of the application interact with each other and whether there are security vulnerabilities in the communication channels.
• Traffic Interception: Monitoring and analyzing network traffic generated by the application to identify sensitive data being transmitted insecurely or potential security vulnerabilities in network communication.
• Debugging and Reverse Engineering: Analyzing the application’s behavior through debugging and reverse engineering techniques to uncover security flaws, such as sensitive information leakage, insecure storage, or vulnerabilities in the application’s logic.

Binary Code Analysis: Examining the compiled binary code of the application to identify vulnerabilities and security weaknesses that may not be apparent in the source code. This includes analyzing the executable files, libraries, and other components of the application.

Web Services/API Testing: Assessing the security of web services and APIs used by mobile applications. Testers examine API endpoints for vulnerabilities such as injection attacks, insecure authentication, insufficient authorization checks, and other API-specific security issues.

Explore the techniques utilized in iOS penetration testing with our comprehensive blog on the iOS App Penetration Testing Checklist.

Understanding Mobile Application Security Testing Level

The MASVS (OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard) introduces three default testing profiles: MAS-L1, MAS-L2, and MAS-R, each offering a distinct level of security controls and best practices.

MAS-L1 – Essential Security

• MAS-L1 serves as a baseline for fundamental security requirements and best practices.
• It focuses on adhering to secure defaults provided by the OS and frameworks, along with implementing essential security measures.
• Recommended for all mobile apps as a baseline security level and apps handling low-risk sensitive data.

MAS-L2 – Advanced Security

• MAS-L2 extends MAS-L1 by introducing additional security measures to address advanced threats.
• It is suitable for apps handling high-risk sensitive data and containing sensitive functionality.
• Assumes a higher level of threat, including the possibility of the device being rooted/jailbroken.

Explore the multi-layer Android root detection mechanisms to stay ahead of evolving bypass techniques.

MAS-R – Resilient Security

• MAS-R aims to enhance resilience against reverse engineering and tampering threats.
• It incorporates measures to prevent intellectual property extraction, bypassing security controls, and IP theft.
• Recommended for apps with a strong need to defend their business assets and logic.

Key Areas for Testing in Mobile Application Penetration Testing

The Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) provides a comprehensive framework for assessing mobile app security. It categorizes areas into groups such as:

MASVS-STORAGE

This group focuses on ensuring the secure storage of sensitive data on a device (data-at-rest). Penetration testing in this area involves assessing how the application handles data storage, including encryption methods, protection against unauthorized access, and secure data deletion practices.

MASVS-CRYPTO

Cryptographic functionality is vital for protecting sensitive data in mobile applications. Testing in this group evaluates the implementation of cryptographic algorithms, key management practices, secure random number generation, and proper usage of cryptographic libraries.

MASVS-AUTH

Authentication and authorization mechanisms are crucial for controlling access to mobile applications. Penetration testing in this area involves verifying the strength of authentication mechanisms, protection against common attacks like brute force, session management security, and proper authorization checks.

MASVS-NETWORK

It is crucial to secure network communication between the mobile app and remote endpoints (data-in-transit) to protect data from interception and tampering. Testing in this group assesses the implementation of secure communication protocols (e.g., TLS/SSL), certificate validation, and protection against common network-based attacks.

MASVS-PLATFORM

Interaction with the underlying mobile platform and other installed apps can introduce security risks if not properly managed. Penetration testing in this area includes evaluating permissions handling, secure inter-app communication, and protection against platform-specific vulnerabilities.

MASVS-CODE

Adherence to security best practices in data processing and code maintenance is critical for preventing vulnerabilities in mobile applications. Testing in this group focuses on code review, input validation, secure error handling, and keeping the application updated with security patches.

MASVS-RESILIENCE

Penetration testing in this area involves assessing the application’s resistance to reverse engineering techniques, integrity-checking mechanisms, and protection against tampering attacks.

MASVS-PRIVACY

Privacy controls are necessary to protect user privacy and sensitive information collected by mobile applications. Testing in this group evaluates the implementation of privacy policies, data minimization practices, consent management, and protection against data leakage.

Learn more about additional areas to focus on with our detailed blog on the Android App Penetration Testing Checklist

10 Best Practices for Mobile Application Testing

1. Define Clear Objectives

Begin by defining clear objectives for your security testing efforts. Determine the scope of the testing, including which platforms, devices, and applications will be assessed, as well as the specific security requirements and threats to be addressed.

2. Understand the Application Architecture

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the mobile application’s architecture, including the client-side and server-side components, data flow, communication protocols, and integration with third-party services. This knowledge will help identify potential security risks and prioritize testing efforts.

3. Perform Threat Modeling

Conduct threat modeling to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities specific to the mobile application. Consider various attack vectors, such as unauthorized access, data leakage, injection attacks, authentication bypass, and tampering.

4. Select Appropriate Testing Techniques

Utilize a combination of static analysis, dynamic analysis, and manual testing techniques to assess different aspects of the mobile application’s security.

5. Address OWASP Mobile Top 10

Focus on addressing the OWASP Mobile Top 10 vulnerabilities, which include common security risks such as insecure data storage, insufficient authentication, insecure communication, and improper session handling. Prioritize testing efforts based on these vulnerabilities.

6. Test Across Multiple Platforms and Devices

Test the mobile application across multiple platforms (e.g., Android, iOS) and devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) to ensure compatibility and identify platform-specific vulnerabilities. Consider factors such as operating system versions, device models, screen sizes, and resolutions.

7. Secure Data Storage and Transmission

Ensure that sensitive data stored on the device is encrypted and securely managed to prevent unauthorized access. Employ secure communication protocols such as TLS/SSL to encrypt data during transmission between the mobile application and server.

8. Test Third-Party Libraries and APIs

Assess the security of third-party libraries and APIs used by the mobile application. Verify that they adhere to security best practices, undergo regular security updates, and do not introduce vulnerabilities or data privacy risks.

9. Perform Regular Security Updates and Patching

Stay proactive in addressing security vulnerabilities by performing regular security updates and patching for the mobile application, operating system, and third-party components. Stay informed about security advisories and vulnerabilities affecting the application’s ecosystem.

10. Document Findings and Remediation Steps

Document security testing findings, including identified vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and recommended remediation steps. Communicate findings to relevant stakeholders, such as developers, product managers, and security teams, to prioritize and address security issues.

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