Mobile Application Penetration Testing Methodology

Mobile Application Penetration Testing Methodology

At Fortify Solutions, we conduct mobile application penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks and uncover vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Our process is based on the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) and the Mobile Application Security Testing Guide (MASTG) — ensuring your app is tested against globally recognized best practices.

We cover both Android (APK) and iOS (IPA) applications and do not require source code unless requested.

Our 4-Stage Testing Approach

1. Reconnaissance & Scope Definition

• Review the client’s brief and define testing boundaries.

• Map the application’s business logic, workflows, and attack surface.

• Confirm connectivity, scanning feasibility, and functionality testing.

2. Automated & Manual Testing

• Perform dynamic analysis of the app in runtime.

• Assess communication channels and traffic with external services.

• Review Inter-Process Communication (IPC) security.

• Reverse-engineer the app where required to detect sensitive data exposure.

• Apply our API Penetration Testing Methodology for backend components.

Tools we may use: MobSF, Frida, Apktool, Dex2Jar, Objection (toolset varies by project).

3. Vulnerability Exploitation & Impact Assessment

• Measure impact on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

• Exploit weaknesses in data storage, platform permissions, and session handling.

• Simulate attacks to validate risk severity and business impact.

4. Reporting, Triaging & Retesting

• Deliver a clear, prioritized vulnerability report with:

  • Step-by-step remediation guidance.

  • Strategic security improvement recommendations.

• Support remediation efforts during and after testing.

• Retest updated components to ensure all issues are fully resolved.

Why This Matters

Our approach identifies not only technical flaws but also business logic vulnerabilities that automated tools often miss. This ensures your mobile app meets the highest security standards and protects both your business and your users.