How do you conduct a mobile app security audit?

Defining the scope and objectives is crucial as it directly influences the depth and breadth of the security audit. In my experience, a common challenge is underestimating the complexity of the app's ecosystem, which includes third-party services and APIs. To overcome this, we conduct thorough threat modeling to identify all potential risks, not just those apparent at the surface level. This ensures a comprehensive audit that aligns with both technical and business requirements, ultimately safeguarding the app against evolving security threats.

What parts of the app will you examine? This could be specific features like login screens, data storage sections, or the entire app. What are you hoping to achieve? Are you looking to identify security weaknesses, make sure the app follows specific rules, or both?

Features: Core: authentication, data storage, payments. Secondary: social sharing, location services. Threats: Insecure storage, weak auth, API flaws, code injection. Privacy risk: user data leakage, unauthorized access. Requirements: GDPR compliance, industry best practices. User trust: secure data handling, clear privacy policies. Objectives: Identify critical vulnerabilities, assess data privacy risks, recommend mitigation strategies. Prioritize: 1) sensitive data access, 2) core functionalities, 3) regulatory compliance. Reporting: Clear, concise report outlining findings, severity, and remediation steps. Tailored for stakeholders: users, developers, regulators.

For the scope of a security assessment I would recommend starting with the OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) and deciding for each specification if that should be covered. This in turn will lead to a very clear roadmap of what needs to be tested/ analysed.

Here's my approach to a mobile app security audit: 1️⃣ 𝐕𝐀𝐏𝐓: Identify and exploit vulnerabilities 2️⃣ 𝐒𝐀𝐒𝐓: Scan source code for issues like hardcoded credentials 3️⃣ 𝐃𝐀𝐒𝐓: Test the live app to uncover runtime vulnerabilities 4️⃣ 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 like OWASP Mobile Top 10 5️⃣ 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 to your app 6️⃣ Conduct 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬 7️⃣ 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 like SonarQube 8️⃣ Enforce security in 𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬: keys, PII 9️⃣ 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 with strong APIs and encryption Security is an ongoing process—build it into your app’s DNA! 🔒 #AppSecurity #MobileDev #VAPT #SAST #DAST #OWASP

In my experience, the following items must be included in a good architecture. - Encrypt sensitive data both at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.2+). - Implement strong authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC). - Protect APIs with proper authentication (OAuth 2.0) and encrypt API traffic. - Avoid local storage of sensitive data; use secure options like iOS Keychain or Android Keystore. - Use code obfuscation and integrity checks to prevent reverse-engineering and tampering.

Dissect your app's architecture! Examine every piece: UI, network calls, data storage, auth, encryption, even those borrowed friends (3rd party libs). Seek secure design: Least privilege, layered defenses, clear roles, and security baked in (default on!) Vulnerability hunt: Code review, scanners, and attacker simulations expose hidden weaknesses. Goal: A robust app you can trust. Secure architecture builds user confidence and shields data.

When reviewing app architecture and design for security, it's crucial to consider the data flow and any external APIs or services integrated into the app. Each component's security posture can significantly impact the overall app security. For instance, weak encryption or poorly implemented authentication can be exploited by attackers. Therefore, a thorough review should include an assessment of how each part of the app handles sensitive data and adheres to best practices in security, such as using up-to-date and well-maintained third-party libraries.

In my experience, dissecting an app's architecture is like being a detective in a digital world. The second step in a mobile app security audit isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about understanding the narrative of your app's design. Each element – from user interface to data encryption – is a chapter in your security story. I've found that approaching it with a mindset of 'secure by default' not only reveals hidden flaws but also sparks innovation. By ensuring each layer operates under the least privilege principle and maintaining a vigilant eye for possible breaches, we turn vulnerabilities into strengths. Remember, the best defense is a well-architected offense!

1. Assess the overall architecture for security flaws, such as client-server communication protocols, data storage methods, and authentication mechanisms 2. Review the design for adherence to secure coding practices, including input validation, output encoding, and secure configuration settings 3. Analyze the handling of sensitive data, ensuring proper encryption during transmission and storage 4. Check for any potential vulnerabilities in third-party libraries or frameworks integrated into the app 5. Evaluate the use of secure communication channels, such as HTTPS, and verify proper certificate validation procedures

The static analysis help you view the broad level issues that you might have committed during writing code like exposing API keys, using less secure encryption, abused permissions, trackers etc. You can avoid them by a quick scan of your apk/ipa file. There are multiple tools present over the internet, one of such tools is MobSF. It's open-source and help you scan your app instantly. But one should not rely completely on static analysis as, it only tells you broad level vulnerability in your app package but doesn't ensure the functionality level vulnerability, for that you need to run dynamic scans. Dynamic scans simulates real attacks, where a program or ethical hacker try to penetrate the app and report vulnerabilities.

🔬 Perform static and dynamic analysis Critical step in mobile app security audits: Static analysis: Inspect source code without execution Use code analyzers and lint tools Identify potential vulnerabilities early Dynamic analysis: Test app behavior during runtime Utilize emulators and debuggers Observe real-world performance Common issues detected: Buffer overflows Injection attacks Memory leaks Insecure data transmission Broken cryptography Tools: Decompilers, penetration testing tools, simulators Benefits: Comprehensive assessment, early detection, improved code quality Combining static and dynamic analysis provides a thorough understanding of your app's security, uncovering potential and active vulnerabilities.

Peek inside! Both static (code scanners) and dynamic (running tests) analyses shine a light on vulnerabilities. Static: Catch sneaky coding issues at rest, like overflows and injections. Early fixes, efficient reviews. Dynamic: Simulate real attacks, hunt for runtime flaws in APIs, leaks, and auth bypasses. Unmask hidden threats. Double Power: Static = early shield, Dynamic = battle test. Together, a fortress against vulnerabilities. Key: Invest in both. Choose tools wisely. Patch promptly. Test often.

Conducting a mobile app security audit involves performing both static and dynamic analysis. Static analysis examines the app’s code for vulnerabilities, while dynamic analysis tests the app’s behavior during runtime. Use automated tools to identify security flaws and manually review critical components. Combine these insights to address weaknesses and enhance the app's security. What additional methods do you use in your security audits?

To audit a mobile app's security: 1. Review its code, permissions, and data protection. 2. Check for vulnerabilities like weak authentication, insecure APIs, and unencrypted data. 3. Perform static and dynamic analysis, run penetration tests, and ensure compliance with regulations. 4. Document issues, recommend fixes, and retest after improvements.

🔍 Evaluate the app environment and configuration Key step in mobile app security audits: OS and device settings: Ensure compatibility and security. Network security: Assess data transmission and encryption. Server and database: Verify backend security measures. Cloud services: Evaluate security of dependencies. Compliance: Align with OWASP, NIST, and PCI DSS guidelines. Scenario testing: Check app behavior in various conditions. Attack simulation: Test response to potential threats. This step ensures app security across its ecosystem. By evaluating the environment and configuration, you identify vulnerabilities not apparent in the code alone, strengthening overall security posture.

I would spend more time on incident response testing. How? Shortly: first, develop and test an incident response plan; then, evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring and alerting systems; finally, assess the ability to detect and respond to security incidents.

Examine the stage your app performs on! From OS settings to server configurations, every element matters. Checklists: Compliance: Align with OWASP, NIST, PCI DSS best practices. Secure Settings: Review app & library parameters, tighten controls as needed. Dependencies: Scrutinize third-party services and libraries for vulnerabilities. Testing Scenarios: Simulate low battery, bad network, device loss, even attacks. Unifying Security: Secure environment = Secure app = Happy users and regulators. Proactive testing minimizes risks and builds resilience. Remember: Continuous monitoring and updates keep your app strong. Invest in secure platforms and services. Treat dependencies as partners, ensuring their security.

Very well said about evaluating app environment along with above, I would also test how app behaves in a Jailbroken environment, there are tool like Frida, with which we inject code into an app environment and break the encryption or sniff sensitive information. To ensure app is running on a secure environment one should have mechanisms in place detect insecure environment and disable data sensitive features like adding payment method, making payments in application or educate user about the environment in which they are running the app.

Evaluating the app environment and configuration is crucial, as it ensures that the app operates securely across different devices and networks. It's important to simulate real-world conditions, such as switching networks or receiving calls, to see how the app behaves. This step goes beyond code analysis, focusing on how the app interacts with the ecosystem it resides in, which is often the source of vulnerabilities that aren't apparent in the code itself but can be exploited through the environment.

Not just secure, but functional and user-friendly! Validate: Accuracy: Does it do what it's supposed to? Reliability: Crashes? Bugs? Downtime? Performance: Is it fast, responsive, resource-efficient? Accessibility: Everyone can use it, regardless of ability? User experience: Is it intuitive, enjoyable, user-centered? Tools & Feedback: User surveys, reviews, ratings: See what your users think! Analytics, crash reports: Learn from app usage data. Quality assurance testing: Catch bugs before users do.

Test the app's features to see if they work as expected. Imagine yourself as a regular user and try out all the functionalities. Look for usability issues that might create security problems. For instance, are the password requirements too weak? Can someone easily guess their way into an account?

Validating functionality and usability is crucial as they directly impact user retention and satisfaction. It's important to balance security measures with a seamless user experience. For instance, while adding authentication features, consider biometric options that enhance security without compromising ease of use. Employing A/B testing can also provide valuable insights into user preferences and behavior, ensuring that security updates do not negatively affect the app's usability.

In my experience, the linchpin of a successful mobile app security audit is ensuring the app's functionality and usability align with user expectations. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about delving deep into the user experience. I've found that integrating user feedback and analytics into the audit process is invaluable. By doing so, we don't just validate the app's performance and accessibility; we also uncover hidden vulnerabilities that could compromise security. Remember, an app that excels in functionality but fails in security is like a ship with a luxury cabin but a leaky hull.

Validate the functionality and usability of the app from a security perspective to ensure that security controls do not compromise user experience or app functionality. Test features such as authentication, authorization, data input validation, session management, password policies, and account recovery processes to verify their effectiveness and usability. Identify any usability issues or user friction introduced by security measures and recommend improvements to strike a balance between security and user experience.

1. Summarize findings concisely, outlining vulnerabilities and risks discovered during the audit 2. Provide detailed explanations for each issue, including potential impact and recommended fixes 3. Prioritize issues based on severity and likelihood of exploitation to guide developers on where to focus efforts 4. Include evidence such as screenshots or code snippets to illustrate identified vulnerabilities 5. Offer actionable recommendations for remediation, accompanied by best practices and resources for implementing security measures

Create a report that details everything you found during the audit. This should include any security vulnerabilities and usability problems. Talk to the app developers and other important people involved with the app about your findings. Let them know what needs to be fixed.

Compile a detailed report outlining vulnerabilities, risks, and recommended actions. Clearly communicate findings to relevant stakeholders, including developers and management

Document the findings, recommendations, and remediation steps resulting from the security audit in a comprehensive report. Clearly communicate the identified security vulnerabilities, their potential impact, and recommended risk mitigation strategies to stakeholders, including developers, project managers, and business owners. Prioritize vulnerabilities based on severity, likelihood of exploitation, and potential impact on business operations or user trust.

Drawing from years of experience in cybersecurity, I've learned the indispensable value of a nuanced approach to documenting and communicating mobile app security audit results. A case in point: a project where timely and tailored communication transformed stakeholder engagement. Rather than a one-size-fits-all report, we created segmented versions for different stakeholders—technical for developers, strategic for executives, and simplified for clients. This not only enhanced understanding and implementation of recommended security measures but also built trust and facilitated a culture of proactive security awareness. Remember, the way we communicate audit outcomes is as critical as the findings themselves.

The app backend should be a part (if not the most important part) of the security audit. An app on a single mobile device might be vulnerable and might open a door to do harm. But the backend for an app is usually a server with direct interfaces to the public internet (at least for all consumer apps) and therefore the obvious gateway for all attacks.

In this ever-evolving digital landscape, it's paramount to consider the human element within mobile app security audits. A compelling insight from my journey: during an audit, we identified a minor vulnerability that seemed insignificant technically but had the potential for a major privacy breach due to user behavior. This underscored the critical need for a holistic view that includes user education on security practices. High-tech solutions are essential, but fostering a security-aware culture among users can significantly amplify your app's defense mechanisms. Remember, technology and awareness must go hand in hand to fortify our digital bastions against threats.

Regularly update security protocols, educate the development team on secure coding practices, and stay informed about emerging threats. Consider external perspectives, like hiring third-party experts, to bring a fresh look at security aspects

In addition to the mentioned points, consider factors such as compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), threat modeling, penetration testing, security awareness training, and ongoing security monitoring and maintenance. Continuously assess and improve the security posture of the mobile app through regular security audits, code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and proactive security measures to mitigate emerging threats and evolving security risks.

When conducting a mobile app security audit, it's essential to adhere to platform-specific guidelines for the operating system, whether iOS or Android. Review the app’s requested permissions to ensure they are necessary and not excessive, as overly broad permissions can pose security risks. Additionally, verify that the app remains compatible with the latest OS updates and patches, as these updates often include critical security enhancements.