Mobile application penetration testing focuses on assessing the security of mobile applications, including both iOS and Android platforms. The objective is to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers to compromise the application or access sensitive user data. Here are the key steps involved in Mobile Application Penetration Testing:

1. Reconnaissance and Information Gathering:
   • Collect information about the mobile application, including its functionality, APIs, and integration points.
   • Identify the target platform (iOS, Android) and version, as well as any relevant backend systems or third-party services used by the application.
2. Static Analysis:
   • Conduct a static analysis of the application’s code and binaries using tools like MobSF, Androguard, or JD-GUI.
   • Analyze the source code for vulnerabilities, insecure coding practices, or hardcoded sensitive information.
3. Dynamic Analysis:
   • Deploy the application in a controlled environment, such as a mobile device emulator or a rooted/jailbroken device.
   • Use dynamic analysis tools like Frida, Cycript, or Xposed Framework to intercept and manipulate runtime behavior, such as API calls, data transmission, or sensitive information storage.
4. Network Communication Testing:
   • Intercept and analyze network traffic generated by the mobile application using tools like Burp Suite, Wireshark, or mitmproxy.
   • Identify vulnerabilities like insecure data transmission, lack of transport layer security (TLS) implementation, or insufficient encryption.
5. Input Validation and Data Storage Testing:
   • Test the application’s input validation mechanisms, including user inputs, API calls, and data storage operations.
   • Look for vulnerabilities like SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), insecure data storage, or insufficient data sanitization.
6. Authentication and Authorization Testing:
   • Assess the application’s authentication and authorization mechanisms, including session management and access controls.
   • Test for vulnerabilities like weak passwords, session hijacking, or privilege escalation.
7. Code Tampering and Reverse Engineering:
   • Attempt to reverse engineer the application to extract sensitive information, manipulate functionality, or bypass security controls.
   • Use tools like apktool, dex2jar, or IDA Pro to analyze and decompile the application’s code.
8. Malicious Input and Logic Testing:
   • Inject malicious inputs and unexpected data to test the application’s response and behavior.
   • Identify vulnerabilities like buffer overflows, code injection, or insecure data handling.
9. Privacy and Data Leakage Testing:
   • Test for potential privacy issues and data leakage, such as access to device information, geolocation data, or sensitive user data storage.
   • Verify compliance with privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
10. Reporting:

• Document all findings, including vulnerabilities, their impact, and recommendations for remediation.
• Provide guidance on how to address the identified vulnerabilities, including code changes, configuration adjustments, or best practices.
• Prioritize the vulnerabilities based on their severity and potential impact on the mobile application’s security.

Regular communication with stakeholders, including mobile application developers and security personnel, is crucial throughout the mobile application penetration testing process. It helps ensure a clear understanding of the objectives, address any concerns, and facilitate effective remediation efforts.