Native Android (Java / Kotlin)
APK and AAB decompilation with jadx and apktool, Smali patching, Frida hooking, content provider enumeration, intent fuzzing, and Android Keystore validation.
Mobile Application Security Testing
Your app lives on devices you don't control. We test what that means.
Hardcoded keys in the binary. Credentials saved to unencrypted storage. Certificate pinning that a Frida one-liner disables. API tokens intercepted through proxy tools. Mobile apps face attack surface that web applications never encounter — and automated scanners cannot reproduce. We test the full chain: binary, runtime, transport, storage and backend.
- 0+
- Apps Tested
- 0
- MASVS Areas
- 2
- Platforms
- 1
- Free Retest
9:41
LTE
Binary Analysis
strings libapp.so | grep -i key
→ AWS_SECRET_KEY="AKIA..."
Runtime Hook (Frida)
Intercepting: isRooted()
→ Return value: false (forced)
Local Storage
SharedPrefs/auth.xml:
token="eyJhbG..." (plaintext)
TLS Intercept
SSL pinning: disabled via hook
API traffic: fully visible
1 Crit
3 High
OWASP MASVS
OWASP MASTG
CVSS 4.0
Mobile Top 10
PCI DSS
HIPAA & SOC 2
// What's Included
What's Included in Our Mobile Application Security Testing
Mobile application security testing goes far beyond running an automated scanner against an APK or IPA. Our engagements combine static binary analysis, dynamic runtime testing, network-layer interception and backend API review, executed by testers who specialize in mobile platforms, not generalists running a checklist.
// Scope
Platforms Our Mobile Application Security Testing Covers
Our mobile application security testing covers native, cross-platform and hybrid applications across every major framework and vertical. Most engagements start with the primary customer-facing app and expand to companion apps and internal tools over time.
Native iOS (Swift / Objective-C)
IPA analysis with class-dump and Hopper, Frida-based runtime hooking, Keychain inspection, App Transport Security review, and binary protection assessment (PIE, ARC, stack canaries).
React Native & Flutter
JavaScript bridge interception for React Native, Dart snapshot analysis for Flutter, and platform-specific testing of the native shell that wraps the cross-platform runtime.
Xamarin & Hybrid Apps
Cordova, Ionic, and Xamarin applications with WebView-based UI layers. We test the JavaScript bridge, local file access, deep-link handling and native plugin security.
Mobile Banking & Payment Apps
Transaction integrity testing, biometric authentication bypass attempts, secure element and tokenization review, and compliance mapping to PCI DSS and RBI mobile banking guidelines.
IoT Companion Apps
Bluetooth Low Energy pairing security, local API communication testing, firmware update integrity checks and credential handling for mobile apps that control IoT devices.
// What We Find
Common Vulnerabilities Our Mobile Application Security Testing Finds
Across Android and iOS engagements, these six vulnerability classes account for most of the high and critical findings in our mobile application security testing reports. Each maps directly to OWASP MASVS categories.
Class 01 / 06
Insecure Data Storage
Insecure Data Storage
The most common high-severity finding in our mobile engagements. Applications write sensitive data, including authentication tokens, session identifiers, PII and financial records, to SharedPreferences (Android), NSUserDefaults (iOS), unencrypted SQLite databases, application logs or cache directories in plaintext. On a rooted or jailbroken device, this data is immediately accessible. Even on stock devices, backup extraction and third-party keyboard caches can expose it.
MASVS mapping
MASVS-STORAGE. We enumerate every local persistence mechanism the app uses, extract data from each, and verify whether encryption is applied and whether keys are properly stored in the platform keystore.
Insecure Communication & Transport
Mobile apps that rely solely on TLS without certificate pinning are trivially intercepted using a proxy with a custom CA certificate. Apps that do implement pinning often do so incorrectly: pinning only in the main HTTP client but not in third-party SDKs, analytics libraries or push-notification channels. We also test for cleartext HTTP fallback, improper TLS version negotiation and hostname verification bypasses.
MASVS mapping
MASVS-NETWORK. We attempt to intercept traffic with and without pinning bypass, verify that all endpoints use TLS 1.2+, and confirm that third-party SDK traffic is equally protected.
Insecure Authentication & Session Management
Mobile apps frequently implement authentication logic on the client side: biometric checks that can be bypassed with Frida, local PIN verification that never calls the server, session tokens that persist indefinitely after logout, and refresh tokens stored outside the platform keystore. We also test for missing step-up authentication on sensitive operations like fund transfers or profile changes.
MASVS mapping
MASVS-AUTH. We test the full authentication lifecycle including biometric bypass, token lifecycle, session invalidation and backend enforcement of every client-side check.
Client-Side Injection & WebView Abuse
Hybrid apps and apps with embedded WebViews are vulnerable to JavaScript injection through deep links, custom URL schemes and intent-based navigation. We test for JavaScript bridge exposure that allows native function calls from web content, local file access through file:// URIs in WebViews, and exported activities and content providers that accept untrusted input without validation.
MASVS mapping
MASVS-PLATFORM. We enumerate exported components, fuzz deep-link handlers, and test every WebView configuration for JavaScript enablement, file access and bridge exposure.
Reverse Engineering & Code Tampering
Every mobile app ships its compiled binary to the end user's device, which means an attacker can decompile it, patch it, and redistribute it. We assess the effectiveness of obfuscation (ProGuard/R8 on Android, Swift symbol stripping on iOS), root/jailbreak detection, debugger detection, integrity verification and anti-tampering controls. We attempt to repackage the app with modified behavior and test whether the server detects the tampered client.
MASVS mapping
MASVS-RESILIENCE. We decompile, patch and repackage the binary, then verify whether runtime integrity checks and server-side attestation detect our modifications.
Insufficient Cryptography
Mobile apps frequently implement cryptography incorrectly: using deprecated algorithms such as MD5 or SHA-1 for integrity checks, AES in ECB mode, hardcoded encryption keys compiled into the binary, IVs that are static or derived from predictable values, and key material stored in SharedPreferences or NSUserDefaults instead of the platform keystore (Android Keystore / iOS Keychain with Secure Enclave).
MASVS mapping
MASVS-CRYPTO. We extract all cryptographic operations from the decompiled source, verify algorithm choices, key storage locations and IV handling against current best practices.
0+
Mobile apps tested across Android & iOS
0
Avg. findings per mobile engagement
0%
Findings retested at no additional cost
0
MASVS verification categories covered
// Methodology
How Our Mobile Security Testing Works
One to three weeks. Five phases. Binary to backend — every layer tested.
mobile-test.sh — Android + iOS
#!/bin/bash — mobile-security-test
$ collect --apk --ipa --threat-model
→ Binaries collected. 3 roles. Threat model defined.
✓ Scope locked — Day 1
$ decompile --jadx --strings --crypto-audit
✗ API key in libcore.so. Weak AES-ECB in payment module.
✓ 4 static findings — Week 1
$ hook --frida --objection --bypass-root
⚠ Root detection bypassed. SSL pin disabled. Biometric skipped.
✓ 5 runtime findings — Week 1-2
$ intercept --burp --api-test --bola --mass-assign
✗ IDOR on /api/user/profile. Token survives logout.
✓ 3 API findings — Week 2
$ report --cvss4 --masvs-map --retest
→ 12 findings. MASVS mapped. Walkthrough scheduled.
✓ Closure after retest — Week 3
$
01
Threat Modeling & Binary Collection
Define the threat model based on app functionality, user roles and data sensitivity. Collect APK/AAB and IPA files, identify backend API endpoints, agree on scope, device requirements and rules of engagement.
APK/IPA Collection
Threat Model
Scope Definition
Day 1 · Output: Threat model + scope doc
02
Static Analysis & Reverse Engineering
Decompilation and disassembly to extract hardcoded secrets, map internal architecture, assess obfuscation effectiveness, review cryptographic implementations and identify insecure configurations — before the app is even installed on a test device.
JADX / Hopper
Secrets Extraction
Crypto Audit
Week 1 · Output: Static analysis findings
03
Dynamic Analysis & Runtime Hooking
App installed on rooted/jailbroken test devices, instrumented with Frida and objection. We bypass root/jailbreak detection, disable certificate pinning, hook sensitive methods, modify runtime values, test biometric bypass and exercise flows that only execute at runtime.
Frida Hooking
SSL Pin Bypass
Root Detection
Week 1–2 · Output: Runtime findings
04
API Interception & Server-Side Testing
All API traffic intercepted via Burp Suite or mitmproxy. Every endpoint tested for BOLA/IDOR, broken auth, mass assignment, excessive data exposure, missing rate limiting and any server-side logic that trusts client values without validation.
Burp Suite
BOLA / IDOR
Token Lifecycle
Week 2 · Output: API findings
05
Reporting & Retest
Prioritized report with CVSS 4.0, MASVS mapping, PoC evidence and developer fix guidance. Live walkthrough with your team. Free retest of every finding once fixed. Signed closure report for auditors and customers.
MASVS Report
Live Walkthrough
Free Retest
Week 3 · Output: Report + closure
// Deliverables
What You Receive From Our Mobile Application Security Testing
Every mobile application security testing engagement ends with documentation built to be used: by mobile developers fixing issues, by security leads prioritizing remediation, and by auditors verifying due diligence.
01
Executive Summary
A non-technical overview of your mobile app's security posture, overall risk level and the business impact of key findings, written for leadership and compliance teams.
02
Detailed Technical Findings
Each vulnerability documented with CVSS 4.0 score, MASVS category, proof-of-concept evidence (screenshots, Frida scripts, intercepted requests) and step-by-step reproduction.
03
Remediation Guidance
Platform-specific fix guidance for Android and iOS, with code-level recommendations mapped to OWASP MASTG best practices so your mobile developers know exactly what to change.
04
Live Walkthrough Session
A call with our mobile security testers to walk through every finding, demonstrate exploitation, answer questions and agree on a prioritized remediation plan.
05
Free Retest & Closure Report
Once findings are fixed, we retest every one at no extra cost and issue a signed closure report confirming remediation status for auditors, customers or regulators.
Five deliverables. One engagement. Everything your mobile team and your auditors need.
See a sample report// Why CipherTrivia
Why Choose CipherTrivia for Mobile Application Security Testing
A few things set how we run mobile application security testing apart from a typical scan-and-PDF vendor.
Mobile-Specialist Testers
Our mobile testers work exclusively on Android and iOS engagements. They maintain current toolchains (Frida, objection, jadx, Hopper) and test on real devices, not emulators.
MASVS & MASTG Aligned
Every finding maps to OWASP MASVS categories and is tested using the MASTG methodology, so your report is structured for compliance and auditor review from day one.
Binary to Backend Coverage
We test the full attack chain: from reverse engineering the compiled binary, through runtime hooking and client-side bypass, to intercepting and exploiting the backend APIs the app depends on.
Free Retest & Closure Report
Every engagement includes a full retest cycle at no additional cost. We re-verify each fixed finding and issue a signed closure report for your auditors and enterprise customers.
// Proof of Work
A Mobile Application Security Testing Case Study
Mobile Security · Banking & Fintech
Closing Critical Gaps in a Banking API Gateway
A regional bank needed a full security assessment of its customer-facing mobile banking application and the API gateway it communicates with. We found 9 issues including a critical broken access control flaw in the API layer, hardcoded credentials in the Android binary, and missing certificate pinning on the iOS build. Every finding was retested and closed before the 3-week launch deadline.
Read case study// FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Application Security Testing
What is mobile application security testing and why does it matter?
Mobile application security testing is a structured assessment of an Android or iOS application covering its binary, runtime behavior, local data storage, network communications and backend API interactions. Unlike web applications, mobile apps ship compiled binaries to user devices, which means attackers can reverse-engineer the binary, hook into runtime functions, and intercept traffic even when certificate pinning is implemented. Testing matters because mobile apps frequently handle sensitive data (credentials, payment details, health records) on devices the organization does not control.
Do you test both Android and iOS apps, or only one platform?
We test both platforms. Android and iOS have fundamentally different security models, sandbox architectures and toolchains. An Android APK or AAB is tested with tools like jadx, apktool, Frida and objection for decompilation and runtime hooking. iOS IPAs are analyzed with class-dump, Hopper, Frida and SSL Kill Switch for similar depth. We test each platform independently because a vulnerability on one does not guarantee the same issue exists, or does not exist, on the other.
What standards does CipherTrivia align mobile security testing to?
All mobile security testing engagements are aligned to the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) and the OWASP Mobile Application Security Testing Guide (MASTG). Findings are scored using CVSS 4.0 and mapped to the relevant MASVS categories. For regulated industries such as banking or healthcare, we also map findings to PCI DSS, HIPAA or RBI guidelines as applicable.
Can you test apps that use certificate pinning or root/jailbreak detection?
Yes. Bypassing certificate pinning and root or jailbreak detection is a standard part of our testing methodology. We use dynamic instrumentation frameworks such as Frida and objection to bypass these controls at runtime. The goal is to verify whether these defenses are robust enough to resist a motivated attacker, and to document exactly how they can be circumvented so your development team can strengthen the implementation.
How long does a mobile application security test typically take?
A single-platform test (Android or iOS only) typically takes one to two weeks. A dual-platform engagement covering both Android and iOS takes two to three weeks. Timelines depend on the complexity of the application, the number of API endpoints, and whether source code access is provided for white-box analysis. We agree on timelines during scoping so there are no surprises.
Get Started With Mobile Application Security Testing
Tell us about your Android or iOS application and we'll scope a mobile application security testing engagement that fits your platform, timeline and compliance requirements.