How to Perform Mobile Application Penetration Testing?

Mobile applications are more ubiquitous now than ever before – the average person has around 18 different apps on their smartphone!

However, the continued popularity of applications – and the increasing amount of data they have access to – has made them extremely lucrative for hackers. Therefore, it’s never been more important for app developers to fortify their software’s security measures.

Mobile application penetration testing has become one of the most reliable penetration testing services available today for hardening app security by running controlled hacks on software to check for weaknesses. In this guide, we’ll explore how this type of testing works in practice, and how you can get started.

Importance of Mobile App Penetration Testing

Mobile app penetration testing helps you discover weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your software before hackers do, and therefore helps to keep your users’ data safe. This is hugely important in upholding a trustworthy public image – users know their information is safe with you, and you’re also staying compliant with data protection regulations.

As cyber threats grow more advanced, it’s important to know how penetration testing can help. Testing your apps after each major release or alteration (and at least twice yearly, as we recommend to clients) ensures you keep pace with new, sophisticated attack vectors.

For example, are you sure your apps are fortified against generative AI attacks, which affect up to 97% of all businesses? Penetration testing will help you find out for certain.

Types of Mobile Applications & Security Challenges

Mobile apps typically split into three types – native, web, and hybrid – and each has their own security challenges. Native apps are developed for specific platforms and operating systems, web apps can be accessed via internet browsers, and hybrid apps are developed for multiple platforms.

Native apps are particularly at risk from OS-related flaws, such as weaknesses within Android environments. These applications can also risk data breaches through weak APIs (application programming interfaces) – for example, thanks to poor access controls and improper validation protocols.

Web apps, meanwhile, are vulnerable to code injection and brute force attacks, where hackers can tamper with login portals by force-guessing passwords or installing malware via forms and fields. Because they operate through web browsers, hackers can also trigger on-path attacks by intercepting connections between users and servers.

Hybrid apps are just as much at risk from on-path attacks as web and native software, and, again, weak APIs frequently give attackers clear access to sensitive data. What’s more, hybrid apps are at high risk of cloning, meaning it can be easy for hackers to phish users into downloading malware.

Differences Between Web and Mobile Penetration Testing

Web and mobile penetration testing are carried out with different environments and architectures in mind. A web app is developed for web servers and standard browsers, whereas mobile apps are developed for different operating systems and web browsers. That means penetration testers need to follow different methodologies that allow them to explore either environment.

Mobile penetration testing often covers a much broader scope as a result – there’s typically more data at stake, such as location and contacts stored elsewhere on any given device, and there’s a wider range of attack surfaces. For instance, mobile testing takes into account local storage, APIs, and device memory, while web apps might consider forms, cookies, and interfaces.

Mobile testers need to consider identifying threats specific to handheld environments and use specific emulators and tools that can crack iOS and Android attack surfaces. Web testers, meanwhile, will focus on using browser-based proxies and attack tools.

What’s more, mobile app testing is arguably in higher demand, simply because attackers view mobile apps as highly desirable attack surfaces:

“With more than 300 public app stores, 1,300 device manufacturers, and constant OS updates, enterprise mobile device risk postures become very dynamic. Because so few enterprises prioritize the security of mobile apps and devices, this becomes the attack surface of choice.”

Zimperium

Methodology of Mobile App Penetration Testing

Mobile app penetration testing typically follows a five-step process: discussion and reconnaissance, risk analysis, exploitation, reporting, and remediation. However, as we explore with our clients, no two mobile apps are exactly alike – and there can be variation in these steps and their scope.

Here’s a quick breakdown of each step in the typical process:

1. Discussion and Reconnaissance: Testers start the process by discussing scope and expectations with the client, establishing what techniques will be used, and what outcomes are desired. At this stage, our testers typically run a static analysis or SAST exam to break down an app’s source code to find potential vulnerabilities.
2. Risk Analysis: After discussion and initial reconnaissance, testers dive deeper into app code to find potential weaknesses such as input validation errors and data storage flaws. We frequently run dynamic testing in sandbox environments to assess real-world, real-time vulnerabilities.
3. Exploitation: Our testers have a clear understanding of an app’s architecture, connections, storage, and code. We now use this knowledge to launch controlled attacks on the app, using various tools, techniques, and frameworks to guide the process.
4. Reporting: A testing report confirms the process results, exploring weaknesses and making recommendations on how to improve app security. We produce detailed reports in plain English – demonstrating to clients what’s at stake and what they need to do next.
5. Remediation: The client now applies our advice and runs further penetration tests later on to ensure their app remains secure.

Mobile Application Security Frameworks

Mobile application security frameworks are best practice guidelines that support penetration testers during analysis and reporting. For example, one of the most popular frameworks is the OWASP MASVS (Mobile Application Security Verification Standard), which breaks down common security controls and measures to help keep testing comprehensive and consistent.

By following frameworks, testers have a clear baseline to work from to ensure they are using the most effective tools and techniques, and that their analysis adheres to the latest compliance standards. Testers also follow frameworks to ensure they’re up to speed with the latest threats and vectors affecting mobile apps.

Testers will, for instance, use OWASP’s top ten mobile app risks to prioritize certain threats and weaknesses during analysis. Others use the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), too, so they can keep tests efficient and comprehensive.

Setting Up a Mobile Penetration Testing Environment

Setting up a mobile penetration testing environment requires choosing relevant tools, environment emulators, and devices to carry out attacks that mimic real-world threats as closely as possible.

For example, for Android mobile app testing, you might use emulated devices such as Corellium, which allow us to emulate mobile OS environments. Corellium, in particular, is great for jailbreaking emulated devices so we can carry out a broad range of tests.

And, for SAST (Static Application Security Testing) analysis at the start of the process, you might also use applications such as Checkmarx Mobile, which allows us to dive deep into app code and spot weaknesses.

However, when you work with VikingCloud’s penetration testing team, you won’t need to worry about picking the right tools yourself! Our team of experts will assess your needs and discuss the tools we intend to use during the process, and explain how your testing environment works.

What’s more, with Asgard, our cybersecurity dashboard, you can keep track of all your VikingCloud tests, results, and compliance.

Certifications and Standards in Mobile Penetration Testing

To carry out a fair, comprehensive mobile penetration test, you’ll need certifications – and to adhere to a number of compliance standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

For example, we recommend engaging an OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), a cybersecurity expert with demonstrable physical technical skills and practical experience.

We also recommend engaging GIAC Mobile Device Security Analysts (aka GMOBs), who are professionals with specific knowledge in mobile device and application weaknesses – and who top up their knowledge frequently.

Qualified testers must always be aware of different compliance standards that apply to their client’s data processing – which is why many rely on frameworks to support their work.

Some of the most important compliance standards for mobile security include:

• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation):  GDPR dictates how businesses should store and process data from users in the European Union, and the information they need to provide to users.
• HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act):  HIPAA protects US citizens’ private health information – vital to adhere to when working with medical apps.
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard): PCI DSS protects US cardholder data and sets expectations for merchants and processors.

Failure to adhere to these compliance standards can result in heavy fines, reputational damage, and legal action – all the more reason for penetration testers to keep them clear in mind!

Cost and Duration of Mobile Penetration Testing

Penetration testing generally costs between $5,000 and $30,000, however, mobile app testing can vary depending on factors such as platforms or operating systems, security goals and scope, compliance requirements, and testing location (e.g., on-site or remote). We carefully build quotes with our clients so there’s complete clarity on what makes up the final costs.

Testing duration and timeframes are also affected by factors such as scope, complexity, security needs, and compliance expectations. As a general rule, mobile app penetration tests can take days to weeks to complete – but, again, we set clear expectations with all our clients.

Regardless of costs and timescales, there’s immense value in investing in mobile security testing. After all, the potential costs of attack remediation, loss of business, and legal fees in the event of a data breach will far outweigh those of regular penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.

If you’d like to know more about how we can help protect your mobile app(s) against evolving threats, get in touch with VikingCloud now – and let’s set up a free consultation.