Mobile Application Penetration Testing: Find What App Store Reviews Can't
Your mobile app passes every app store review. It handles millions of transactions. Your users trust it with their data. But have you tested what happens when someone deliberately tries to break it? We reverse-engineer your iOS and Android apps, bypass every protection, and show you exactly what an attacker would find — before they do.
Why Mobile Apps Are Different
Mobile apps are not web apps. They run on the user's device. That means the binary is in the attacker's hands, the device storage is accessible, the network traffic can be intercepted, and jailbroken or rooted devices bypass your protections. Every mobile app is a gift-wrapped attack surface sitting in the user's pocket.
| Attack Surface | Web App | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|
| Binary Access | Server-side only | Fully downloadable and reversible |
| Local Storage | Cookies and localStorage | Keychain, SharedPreferences, SQLite, files |
| Certificate Pinning | Not applicable | Must be tested and bypassable |
| Biometric Authentication | Limited (WebAuthn) | Face ID, Touch ID, fingerprint — all bypassable |
| Push Notifications | Basic | Can leak sensitive data in notifications |
| Deep Links | URLs only | URL schemes, Universal Links, App Links |
| Inter-App Communication | None | Intents, Content Providers, URL schemes |
| Device Sensors | Limited | GPS, camera, microphone, NFC, Bluetooth |
What We Test: iOS vs Android
Each platform has unique security mechanisms — and unique ways to break them. We know both inside out.
iOS Testing
- IPA binary analysis and reverse engineering (class-dump, Hopper)
- Keychain storage assessment
- App Transport Security configuration
- Objective-C/Swift runtime manipulation (Frida, Cycript)
- Jailbreak detection bypass
- Universal Links and URL scheme testing
- Certificate pinning bypass (SSL Kill Switch, Objection)
- Data Protection API validation
Android Testing
- APK decompilation and analysis (jadx, apktool)
- SharedPreferences and SQLite database inspection
- Content Provider and Intent security
- Smali code patching and repackaging
- Root detection bypass (Magisk, Frida)
- Deep link and WebView exploitation
- Certificate pinning bypass (Frida scripts)
- Android Keystore implementation review
The 6 Phases of Our Mobile Pentest
A structured, repeatable methodology that covers every angle — from binary reverse engineering to final report delivery.
Reconnaissance & Setup
App download from App Store and Google Play, environment setup on jailbroken iOS device and rooted Android device, proxy configuration with Burp Suite, initial traffic capture and technology fingerprinting. We identify every API endpoint, third-party SDK, and communication channel before testing begins.
Static Analysis
Binary reverse engineering using jadx, apktool, class-dump, and Hopper Disassembler. We search for hardcoded secrets, API keys, and credentials. We map API endpoints embedded in the binary, review cryptographic implementations, and analyze every third-party SDK for known vulnerabilities and data leakage.
Dynamic Analysis
Runtime instrumentation with Frida and Objection. We hook methods, bypass authentication, manipulate app logic at runtime, test biometric authentication bypass, defeat jailbreak and root detection, and intercept encrypted communications. Every security control is tested under adversarial conditions.
Network & API Testing
Man-in-the-middle interception of all app traffic. Certificate pinning bypass to inspect encrypted communications. Full API authentication and authorization testing, business logic manipulation, rate limiting checks, and data leakage analysis. We test every request the app makes — not just the ones the developer documented.
Exploitation & Chaining
Vulnerability chaining for maximum impact demonstration. We combine individual findings into full attack chains — escalating from a minor data leak to account takeover, from a bypassed detection to full data extraction. Every proof of concept demonstrates real business impact, not theoretical risk.
Reporting & Remediation
Executive summary for leadership, detailed technical findings with CVSS scores, step-by-step reproduction instructions, and platform-specific remediation guidance. Every finding includes developer-friendly fix recommendations with code examples for both iOS and Android. We walk your team through every finding in a live debrief call.
OWASP Mobile Top 10 Coverage
We test against the full OWASP Mobile Top 10 (2024) — the industry standard for mobile application security risks.
Improper Credential Usage
CriticalHardcoded credentials, insecure credential storage, improper token handling, API key exposure in binary
API keys in plaintext, tokens stored in SharedPreferences, credentials in plist files
Inadequate Supply Chain Security
HighThird-party SDK analysis, library vulnerability scanning, dependency chain review, malicious package detection
Outdated SDKs with known CVEs, analytics SDKs leaking PII, ad libraries with excessive permissions
Insecure Authentication/Authorization
CriticalBiometric bypass, session management, token validation, privilege escalation, IDOR on mobile APIs
Bypassed biometric auth via Frida, weak session tokens, broken object-level authorization
Insufficient Input/Output Validation
HighSQL injection, XSS in WebViews, path traversal, format string attacks, deep link injection
JavaScript injection via deep links, SQL injection in local SQLite queries, XSS in embedded WebViews
Insecure Communication
HighCertificate pinning bypass, cleartext traffic detection, weak TLS configurations, MITM susceptibility
Missing certificate pinning, HTTP fallback connections, weak cipher suites, data sent in cleartext
Inadequate Privacy Controls
MediumPII exposure in logs, clipboard data leakage, screenshot capture of sensitive data, analytics over-collection
Sensitive data in system logs, PII sent to analytics providers, screenshots of financial data cached
Insufficient Binary Protections
MediumReverse engineering resistance, code obfuscation, anti-tampering, debugger detection, jailbreak/root detection
No obfuscation, easily bypassable jailbreak detection, no anti-debugging, trivial repackaging
Security Misconfiguration
HighBackup settings, debug flags, exported components, excessive permissions, insecure WebView configuration
Debug mode enabled, android:allowBackup=true, exported activities without protection, JavaScript enabled in WebViews
Insecure Data Storage
CriticalKeychain/Keystore usage, file system permissions, database encryption, cache and temp file analysis
Sensitive data in plaintext files, unencrypted SQLite databases, tokens in UserDefaults instead of Keychain
Insufficient Cryptography
HighAlgorithm strength, key management, IV reuse, custom crypto implementations, random number generation
Hardcoded encryption keys, deprecated algorithms (MD5, SHA1), ECB mode usage, predictable IVs
What Types of Mobile Apps We Test
Each platform and framework has unique attack vectors. We know the internals of every one.
Native iOS
Swift and Objective-C apps with full binary analysis, Keychain testing, and runtime manipulation via Frida and Cycript.
Native Android
Kotlin and Java apps with APK decompilation, Smali patching, Content Provider testing, and Android Keystore review.
React Native
JavaScript bridge exploitation, Hermes bytecode analysis, AsyncStorage inspection, and native module security review.
Flutter
Dart AOT binary analysis, platform channel interception, Hive/Drift database inspection, and snapshot-based reverse engineering.
Hybrid (Ionic/Cordova)
WebView security testing, plugin vulnerability analysis, JavaScript source code extraction, and local storage inspection.
Progressive Web Apps
Service worker security, cache manipulation, Web API access testing, and offline data storage analysis.
Note: Each platform has unique attack vectors. React Native apps expose JavaScript bridges. Flutter apps require Dart-specific analysis. Xamarin apps need .NET decompilation. We know the internals of every framework.
Who Needs Mobile App Penetration Testing?
If any of these sound familiar, your mobile app needs a security assessment.
Mobile App Pentest Pricing
Transparent, fixed pricing. No hourly billing. Proposal within 24 hours.
| Package | Scope | Timeline | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Platform | iOS OR Android app | 2-3 weeks | $5,000 |
| Both Platforms | iOS AND Android apps | 3-4 weeks | $8,000 |
| Both Platforms + API | iOS + Android + backend API | 4-5 weeks | $12,000 |
| Continuous Testing | Quarterly per platform | Ongoing | $3,500/quarter |
Every engagement includes one round of free retesting after remediation. After your team fixes the findings, we verify the fixes work at no additional cost.
Combined scopes receive volume discounts. Contact us for a custom quote.
Why Choose Atlant Security for Mobile Pentesting
What separates our mobile security testing from the rest.
Real Physical Devices, Not Emulators
We test on real jailbroken iOS devices and rooted Android devices. Emulators miss hardware-level security features like Secure Enclave, biometric sensors, and device-specific behaviors. Real devices give real results.
Senior Mobile Security Specialists
Every engagement is led by a consultant who specializes in mobile security — not a generalist running automated tools. The person who scopes your project is the person who tests your app.
Fixed Pricing, Proposal in 24 Hours
You know the exact cost before we start. No hourly billing, no scope creep, no surprise invoices. We scope the engagement, price it, and deliver — exactly as agreed.
OWASP MASVS Methodology
We test against the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard — the globally recognized framework for mobile app security. Every finding maps to MASVS controls for clear remediation prioritization.
Free Retesting Included
After your team remediates our findings, we retest every vulnerability at no extra cost. You get a clean report confirming the fixes work — not just a promise that they should.
Developer-Friendly Reports
Our reports include platform-specific fix guidance with code examples. Your iOS and Android developers get actionable remediation steps — not vague recommendations that require hours of additional research.
Related Security Services
API Penetration Testing
Comprehensive API security assessment for REST, GraphQL, and WebSocket APIs.
Learn more →Web App Penetration Testing
OWASP Top 10 testing for web applications with business logic focus.
Learn more →IT Security Audit
Full security audit of your organization with prioritized remediation roadmap.
Learn more →All Penetration Testing
See our full range of penetration testing services across all platforms.
Learn more →Your app is in every user's pocket. Make sure it's not an open door.
Book a free 30-minute scoping call. We will discuss your mobile app, identify the right testing scope, and give you a fixed-price proposal within 24 hours. No sales pitch — just an honest assessment of what your app needs.