Mobile Application Security Testing Checklist

This comprehensive mobile application security testing checklist covers critical aspects to consider when evaluating the safety of your mobile app. Each item includes a description, practical examples using common mobile pentesting tools, and additional resources for in-depth learning.

• 1. Insecure Data Storage

  Check if sensitive data is stored securely on the mobile device.

  Examples:

  • MobSF

    mobsf --dynamic-analysis com.example.app

    Perform dynamic analysis to identify insecure data storage practices.

  • Frida

    frida -U -f com.example.app -l data_storage_hook.js

    Use Frida to hook into app functions and monitor data storage operations.

  Additional Resources:

  • OWASP Mobile Top 10
  • Mobile Security Testing Guide

• 2. Insecure Communication

  Test for proper implementation of SSL/TLS and certificate pinning.

  Examples:

  • Burp Suite

    Configure Burp Suite as a proxy and intercept mobile app traffic.

    Analyze network traffic for insecure communications and potential MITM vulnerabilities.

  • OWASP ZAP

    zap-cli quick-scan -s -t https://api.example.com

    Scan the API endpoints used by the mobile app for security issues.

• 3. Insufficient Cryptography

  Verify that proper encryption algorithms and key management are used.

  Examples:

  • Androguard

    androguard analyze --show-crypto app.apk

    Analyze the app's use of cryptographic APIs and identify potential weaknesses.

  • idb

    idb analyze --crypto app.ipa

    For iOS apps, analyze the binary for cryptographic implementations.

• 4. Improper Platform Usage

  Check if the app follows platform-specific security best practices.

  Examples:

  • Android Lint

    lint --check SecurityCheck /path/to/android/project

    Static analysis tool to identify potential security issues in Android code.

  • SwiftLint

    swiftlint lint --config .swiftlint.yml

    Linter for Swift projects to enforce style and security conventions.

• 5. Client Code Quality

  Assess the quality and security of the client-side code.

  Examples:

  • SonarQube

    sonar-scanner -Dsonar.projectKey=mobile-app

    Perform static code analysis to identify code quality issues and vulnerabilities.

  • MobSF

    mobsf --static-analysis app.apk

    Conduct static analysis of the mobile app to identify potential security flaws.

• 6. Reverse Engineering

  Test the app's resilience against reverse engineering attempts.

  Examples:

  • Apktool

    apktool d app.apk

    Decompile the Android app to analyze its contents and structure.

  • Hopper

    hopper app.ipa

    Disassemble and analyze iOS app binaries to understand their inner workings.

• 7. Extraneous Functionality

  Identify any hidden or undocumented features that could pose security risks.

  Examples:

  • Drozer

    drozer console connect --command "run app.package.list -f"

    Enumerate app components and identify potentially dangerous exposed functionalities.

  • Frida

    frida-trace -U -i "*" com.example.app

    Trace all function calls in the app to identify hidden or unexpected behaviors.