A Beginner Guide to Mobile Application Penetration Testing

With billions of smartphone users worldwide and mobile app revenues projected to reach $935 billion by 2023, the stakes for mobile application penetration testing have never been higher. Whether you’re a developer, app consumer or security enthusiast, this blog will help you navigate through the dynamic mobile applications security landscape and strengthen your digital experiences. 

We will discuss how to make your apps cyber-resilient with essential insights, expert tips and user-friendly techniques. Discover what we know about the risks involved in mobile application security today, right from emerging threats to sophisticated testing methodologies.

Let’s unlock the world of Mobile application penetration testing.

What is Mobile Application Penetration Testing?

Mobile Application Penetration Testing is the technique of systematically comparing the safety of a cell app with the aid of simulating real-global cyber-attacks. Its goal is to pick out vulnerabilities and weaknesses to ensure the app`s resilience in opposition to capability malicious exploits.

The testing is essential for identifying and mitigating security risks inherent in modern mobile devices. Some techniques that will help you enhance Mobile Device Security include:

1. Unlocking Bootloaders

The process of unlocking the bootloader on mobile devices comes with significant security concerns, particularly when permissions are disabled or enabled without proper authorization. If the device allows bootloader unlocking with inadequate permissions, it can result in unauthorized access and exploitation.

Here are the commands to execute commands via ADB & & Fastboot:

1. Disable OEM Unlocking:

fastboot oem lock

2. Enable OEM Unlocking:

fastboot oem unlock

    2. Pushing & pulling data via ADB

One of the vulnerabilities of mobile device hardware penetration testing involves the unauthorized retrieval and manipulation of data using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB). When a device permits the retrieval and pushing of data from any source without prior validation or authorization, it exposes sensitive information to non-ethical hackers.

Here are the commands to push and pull data using ADB:

1. Pushing Data to the Device:

   adb push <source-path> <target-path>

2. Pulling Data from the Device:

   adb pull <path-of-the-file-on-the-device>

3. Customizing Recovery Solutions: Enhancing Android Device Functionality

Installing a custom recovery, such as TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), gives the users access to a suite of tools and options that can be used for either customization or privilege escalation exploits. It allows the users to tweak settings for mobile device security, install custom ROMs, and perform other actions typically restricted to privileged users.

Here are the commands used for a custom TWRP recovery:

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.8.x.x-xxx.img

fastboot reboot

4. Rooting the device

Rooting a mobile device involves obtaining privileged access to the device’s operating system by granting the user “root” or administrative privileges. While it offers greater control over their devices and access to advanced customization options, it also introduces significant security risks.

Some of the commonly used tools to root the OS include:

• Magisk: It allows users to gain root access without modifying the system partition, making it easier to bypass Mobile Device Security checks and detection mechanisms.

• SuperSU: It provides a simple interface for managing root permissions and controlling access to sensitive system functions.

• One-Tap Root Methods: It provides a convenient way for users to root their devices with minimal effort. 

5. Vulnerabilities with ADB

ADB is a powerful tool for developers and testers that facilitates several operations on Android devices. However, the versatility of the platform also introduces potential Mobile Security vulnerabilities that could compromise the confidentiality and integrity of user data. 

One significant vulnerability involves analyzing the logs generated during the sign-up process of specific applications. During the sign-up process, sensitive information such as usernames and passwords may be transmitted and stored in clear text format, making them an easy target for exploitation.

Here’s the command to check the vulnerabilities with ADB:

adb logcat

How is Mobile App Security Enhanced through Penetration Testing?

Mobile app safety is fortified through penetration checking out, a proactive manner that identifies vulnerabilities earlier than exploitation. Brands like Facebook prioritize this approach, investing in securing consumer information. 

Recent stats display a trend, with over 45% of cell apps at risk of high-danger vulnerabilities. Penetration checking out guarantees sturdy defence, addressing problems from insecure information garages to untrusted inputs.

 For instance, the latest look determined that 38% of iOS apps exhibited safety flaws. As cyber threats evolve, penetration checking out turns into paramount, providing strategic protection in opposition to capability breaches and reinforcing the resilience of cell programs inside the dynamic virtual landscape.

Firmware/OS reversing

Firmware and OS reversing is an essential component of Cybersecurity Assessment, threat intelligence, and risk management efforts. Here are some ways to conduct the process:

1. Reverse engineering of image files:

The process of firmware and OS reversing involves reverse engineering of image files. In the initial phase, tools like binwalk, strings, and hex dump are utilized to scrutinize each image file thoroughly. The primary objective is to extract a wealth of information, including files, certificates, keys, or any potential disclosures of sensitive data.

2. Analysis of 3rd party APKs

Mobile stock ROMs often integrate 3rd party APKs for diverse applications. By extracting the respective Java files, we can meticulously scrutinize these APKs for functionality and potential security implications.

3. Security patch analysis

Security patch analysis helps us verify if the device is up-to-date in terms of security measures. Furthermore, comparing the latest and previous Android security patches aids in identifying any unresolved vulnerabilities within the target device.

4. Analysis of FOTA

Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) technology is integral to Mobile Software Management (MSM). This mechanism enables manufacturers to wirelessly upgrade and update the operating firmware of mobile devices. 

Analysis of pre-installed applications 

Conducting manual analysis for Mobile Device Security involves extracting the source files of pre-installed applications and focusing on specific flags within the manifest file:

1. Manual analysis of Android manifest files:

Each application has an AndroidManifest.xml file, aptly named which is located in its root directory. This file encapsulates vital details about the application, including its package information and various components such as activities, services, broadcasts, receivers, and content providers.

Conducting manual analysis of Android Manifest Files includes extracting the source files of pre-installed applications. It’s important to pay particular attention to specific flags within the manifest file:

• Broadcast
• Backup
• Intent
• Export
• Permission
• Content provider

For instance, if the ‘AllowBackup’ flag is set to ‘True’ for any application, it may enable attackers to access sensitive information via ADB. This underlines the importance of thorough examination.

Example 1: AllowBackup flag set “True” 

Example 2: Exported flag set to “True”

2. The Hard-Coded values:

Examine the hardcoded values embedded within APK files through manifest files or by extracting data from the firmware. It may unveil secret codes or values in plaintext, potentially posing a threat to security. You must use these discoveries for quick actions like modifying configurations or altering data effectively. Additionally, scrutinize the manifest file for various API keys that can be exploited against their associated services.

Although comments within the manifest file normally don’t divulge sensitive information, it’s best to avoid including comments on post-application releases to uphold best security practices.

      Example 3: Hardcoded values

3. Algorithmic Safeguards: Elevating Security Testing

Here we can check and analyze the algorithm used for creating certificates. For example,

• The hashing algorithm utilized
• The key size of the algorithm
• Validation procedures for certificates

To ensure proper Mobile Device Security measures, assess the key length of different algorithms utilized for both encryption and hashing. The key length should be strong enough to resist potential attacks. Additionally, validate certificates by ensuring a legitimate Certificate Authority (CA).

You can use the openssl tool to analyze the certificate and the algorithms used by implementing the following commands:

openssl pkcs7 -inform DER -print_certs -out cert.pem -in CERT.RSA

cat cert.pem

keytool -printcert -file CERT.RSA

Example 4: cert.pem certificate disclosure

Example 5: cert.rsa certificate disclosure

Navigating the Mobile App Security Assessment Framework

Step 1: Preparation and Discovery

Gather vital records approximately the cell app`s design, structure, and network-degree records flow. Utilize Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) for added records gathering. Understand the software’s shape and capability vulnerabilities earlier than transferring to the subsequent phase.

Step 2: Analysis, Assessment, and Evaluation

Conduct a complete evaluation by watching the software earlier than and after installation. Employ static and dynamic evaluation, structure evaluation, opposite engineering, report machine evaluation, and inter-software conversation evaluation to pick out capability vulnerabilities.

Step 3: Exploitation

Simulate real-global assaults at the goal cell software, trying out it with malicious payloads like opposite shells or root exploits. Examine the conduct of the software beneath attack, using each self-crafted and publicly to be had exploits.

Step 4: Reporting

Prepare an in-depth file outlining the assaults performed, endpoints tested, harm evaluation, chance evaluation, and steps for vulnerability remediation. Provide a complete evaluation to manual builders in strengthening the software’s safety posture.

Conclusion

It is important to note that penetration testing of mobile applications is fundamental in the present digital world. 

By understanding risks and following stringent test strategies, users as well as developers can strengthen their applications. Becoming aware of the latest trends and adhering to standardized approaches can help us create sustainable mobile app ecosystems. To this end, embrace safety tests for a mobile application to protect against ever-changing cyber threats thereby ensuring a safer and more reliable mobile experience for everyone involved.

Last but not least, for a thorough and professional mobile device penetration test, consult SecureLayer7’s expertise. Our specialized services offer in-depth analysis, meticulous scrutiny of vulnerabilities, and insights to strengthen your mobile device security. 

Contact us to schedule your mobile application penetration test today!