Mobile Penetration Testing (Mobile PT)

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Mobile App Penetration Testing is a critical security measure that checks mobile application vulnerabilities on iOS, Android, and hybrid platforms. A hacker will use a model attack to simulate a real-world situation and discover where security gaps are so that a company can solve these issues before the crooks break into the system. Through a deep investigation of the app’s architecture, data storage methods, and communication protocols, penetration testing guarantees that e.g. user credentials and payment details are safe as they are not accessible by unauthorized people.

What is Mobile App Penetration Testing?

Definition

Mobile App Penetration Testing is a thorough security evaluation that aims to expose any insecurities that can be present in mobile applications. The procedure begins by analyzing client-side code, APIs, and backend integrations to reveal potential security holes to be exploited by malevolent actors.

Platforms Covered

  • Native Apps:
    • iOS apps created on Swift and Objective-C
    • Android apps coded with Kotlin or Java
  • Hybrid/Cross-Platform:
    • React Native
    • Flutter
    • Xamarin
  • APIs: Mobile applications are using REST or GraphQL endpoints on the server to send/receive data.
  • Insecure Data Storage: The most common way this happens is poorly to store plaintext passwords we humans write down in our log files. What attackers do then is just access the file and they got all the information they need.
  • Broken Cryptography: Even worse, the encrypted data can be admired by attackers since SSL/TLS’s weak points are not addressed or the encryption keys are hardcoded and never change.
  • Insecure Authentication: Authentication mechanisms with flaws such as biometric bypass measures and session hijacking vulnerabilities can be things that put attackers on an advantage.
  • Code Tampering: No strong binary protections lead to difficulties in reverse-engineering or modifying the program, making it attractable to attackers.
  • Misconfigured Cloud Storage: The security concerns related to the reason why Firebase databases or other cloud storage solutions used by the app are not secure come to light.

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Benefits of Mobile App Penetration Testing

One of the Mobile App Penetration Testing advantages is providing companies with the opportunity to correct vulnerabilities before cyber terrorists are able to exploit them. This approach can significantly enhance the security status of mobile applications.

Regular penetration testing can help to meet important regulations such as GDPR for data privacy and HIPAA for healthcare applications. This assurance is necessary for not facing legal problems or losing the confidence of the user.

The organization removes the app and successfully reduces the reputation damages by solving the security problems immediately. The company takes the initiative to be trusted by the customers and notifies the vulnerabilities in their applications to prevent incidents.

The process of testing is a good way of informing our developers about the regular security practices of mobile. Mirroring and assimilating this information throughout the development lifecycle creates a culture of security-awareness in development, leading to the creation of more robust and secure applications in the future.

The testing is so comprehensive that out of all the tests that are carried out the organization can decide whether the chances of the data leak of finance and legal risks are high or low. This is a strategic move in contemporary business since it gives light to businesses€™ successful data analysis.

Key Components of a Mobile App Penetration Test Report

The Summary of the Report of the Application Penetration Test

 This section shows the most critical security risks identified during the test. For instance, it identifies an insecure Firebase database that is exposing user data. It also deals with the non-compliant parts, such as violations of the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS).

Technical Findings

  • Vulnerability: In-depth exposition of each vulnerability, supported by screenshots and related HTTP requests.
  • Severity: Each vulnerability is rated as Critical, High, Medium, or Low based on its potential impact.
  • Proof of Concept: Step-by-step instructions on how to replicate the exploit, allowing developers to understand and verify the issue.
  • Remediation: Specific recommendations to rectify the vulnerability, which may involve code patches to be installed, configuration changes, or SDK updates.
  • iOS: It keeps a focus on issues that can be identified on the iOS platform like Keychain misconfigurations and/or insecure use of UIPasteboard.
  • Android: Describes Android-only vulnerabilities, such as exported activities or insecure file permissions

Compliance Mapping

This chapter plays a very important role in architecture the concerns between the deviations identified and the norms and legal requirements of the sector in which the enterprise operates. It is the map of vulnerabilities to the frameworks like OWASP Mobile Top 10, GDPR, or PCI-DSS. They are used to give a clear understanding of what are the causes of these weaknesses and also how the organization, in return, is compliant with the policies and regulations.

Our Mobile App Penetration Testing Process

01
Scoping & Planning
02
Static Analysis
03
Dynamic Analysis
04
Reverse Engineering
05
API & Backend Testing
06
Expolitation
07
Reporting & Remediation
08
Retesting

What services we offered in Mobile App Pen Testing

Our iOS application checking out handrails is not only simple but also the detection of whether a device is jailbroken is also achievable. We also check for bad state storage problems with NSUserDefaults and CoreData that might let an attacker get read and alter the app user’s data. Any insecure data storage procedures, especially weak pointers and time manipulation, are under our radar, as we take decisions based on Secure Data Storage. Otherwise, depending on the type of data, we carefully plan to avoid any security breaches.

When it comes to Android apps, we mainly dedicate ourselves to the reverse engineering of APKs. The detection of hidden vulnerabilities and weaknesses that can be exploited in a real environment is the endpoint of every reverse engineering exercise. Our team also explores hypothetical vulnerabilities in the Broadcast Receivers, so it is not like we ignore device and/or receiver security when we analyze and look for an attack vector.

Typically, in a hybrid app scenario, one of the most notable vulnerabilities is the insecurity of script execution, which can be deployed for the sake of web-based attacks. We care for those who build, those who use, those who fund, and those who break apps or devices. In the attachment section you can find a file with more details.

Our API Safety First line of defense focuses on identifying potential authentication flaws, such as the unauthorized or invalid use of JSON Web Tokens or other secrets (like API keys, service accounts). We also determine how the application could be exploited by making too many requests to the APIs that provide the data, and he could also fix, for example, any incorrect versioning of a shortened url.

Our adapter and third-party library integrated services are hard workers when it comes to guarding your app. This includes finding those components which may be risky to the app due to the inclusion of outdated advertising SDKs among other vulnerabilities.

Our compliance operational service is the one that makes sure your mobile application or device is lawful in terms of industry standards, laws, regulations, and rules. We review whether you meet the following guidelines: OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS), GDPR for applications that are accessible to European users, and PCI-DSS for those handling payment information.

Why Businesses Choose Advance Datasec

The course of our assessment involves the use of rooted and jailbroken devices that are then built to act like potential attackers, thus being able to expose vulnerabilities that may exist only under simulated environments.

We employ tools like Frida for instrumentation, Objection for dynamic instrumentation, Genymotion for emulating, and custom-developed scripts aimed at providing insight into your app configuration to perform seamless testing.

Our good standing is affirmed by outcomes we have delivered in the field. A case in point was our mediation, in which we managed to save a disaster when a large amount of user’ data was leaking in those systems. This feat showed our capacity to handle top-profile security issues in applications.

Our squad is constructed from greatly learned professionals who have obtained different certifications such as Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE), and eLearnSecurity Mobile Application Penetration Tester (eMAPT). These certifications show our knowledge and experience in the area of mobile security.

Still Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Mobile penetration testing is a simulated cyberattack performed on a mobile application to uncover security flaws before malicious hackers do. It involves analyzing the app’s code, behavior, data storage, and communication channels (like APIs) to detect vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

In the GCC — where mobile app usage is among the highest globally — this is critical. Whether you operate in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or any other Gulf nation, your app is a gateway to sensitive user data. With rising threats and local data protection laws, mobile security testing in GCC isn’t optional anymore — it’s a necessity.

Yes — most likely. Even the most well-developed apps have hidden flaws. Common vulnerabilities include:

  • Insecure data storage (on device)
  • Weak API security
  • Improper platform usage (misusing Android or iOS features)
  • Inadequate authentication
  • Unencrypted communication

Many businesses in Dubai, Riyadh, or Doha don’t realize they’re at risk until it's too late. A proper mobile app security audit in the GCC can reveal these issues before attackers exploit them.

You protect user data by:

  1. Performing regular mobile app penetration testing (ideally after each release).
  2. Encrypting sensitive information stored on devices.
  3. Securing backend APIs that the mobile app communicates with.
  4. Applying OWASP Mobile Top 10 best practices.
  5. Fixing vulnerabilities proactively based on a penetration testing report.

In regions like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, data privacy laws are evolving rapidly. Regular mobile security assessments in the GCC help you stay ahead and compliant.

Our testers use a mix of manual testing techniques and industry-grade tools, including:

  • MobSF (Mobile Security Framework)
  • Burp Suite for intercepting traffic
  • Frida and Objection for runtime manipulation
  • Jadx and APKTool for reverse engineering
  • OWASP MASVS & MASTG for standards-based testing

These tools help simulate real-world attacks on both Android and iOS apps, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

We recommend integrating mobile security testing into your DevSecOps process:

  • Schedule quarterly penetration tests
  • Run static and dynamic scans with every major release
  • Use a managed security service or on-demand pentesting partner

If you're in the GCC, consider a mobile penetration testing service in UAE or KSA that offers continuous testing support to keep your app protected year-round.

Absolutely. A single data breach caused by your mobile app can:

  • Expose sensitive user data (names, passwords, payment info)
  • Lead to legal actions under GCC data privacy laws
  • Result in negative media coverage
  • Cause a massive drop in app store ratings
  • Trigger customer churn and lost reputation

Consumers in the Gulf value trust and digital safety. A secure app means a confident customer.

Yes. Mobile apps are often the weakest security link — especially if:

  • They rely heavily on cloud APIs
  • Store user credentials locally
  • Have outdated libraries or SDKs
  • Lack secure authentication mechanisms

A mobile app vulnerability could become a doorway to your entire backend system, putting your business at risk. Our mobile app pentesting for Gulf companies helps close these doors securely.

It:

  • Identifies bugs early, reducing cost of fixing later
  • Helps developers write secure code
  • Reduces time spent on last-minute security fixes
  • Makes your app app store-compliant and privacy-resilient
  • Aligns your product with frameworks like OWASP MASVS

For development teams in Kuwait, Bahrain, or across the GCC, this is a collaborative process, not just a compliance task.

The ROI of mobile app security includes:

  • Avoided breach costs (legal fines, recovery expenses)
  • Improved customer trust & retention
  • Faster app approvals in app stores
  • Stronger reputation in the digital economy
  • Compliance with data laws, avoiding penalties in GCC jurisdictions

Think of it as insurance with long-term brand value. Investing in mobile app security testing in GCC ensures your business stays secure, scalable, and trustworthy.

Not unless you’ve done security testing specifically for your mobile applications. Gulf countries are enforcing stricter privacy laws:

  • UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (Data Protection Law)
  • KSA’s PDPL (Personal Data Protection Law)
  • Qatar's Data Protection Law No. 13 of 2016

Our GCC mobile penetration testing services help ensure your app meets these standards by identifying and fixing potential non-compliance issues.

Secure Your Mobile Apps Today

Protect your app and your users. Contact us today to schedule a Mobile App Penetration Test

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