Mobile App Security Testing (MAST): Securing Apps

Definition: Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) is a process for assessing and testing the security of mobile applications. It aims to identify weaknesses and security vulnerabilities in mobile apps that could be exploited by cybercriminals to steal sensitive data or compromise the integrity of the app. As with any form of software, mobile apps are susceptible to a wide range of security issues.

Typical vulnerabilities in mobile apps

Insufficient data encryption
Insecure data transmission
Unreliable authentication mechanisms
Weaknesses in the app logic
Unauthorized access to confidential information

These and other vulnerabilities can be identified and remediated through thorough security testing and regular reviews.

Security measures in Mobile Application Security Testing

Comprehensive security analyses during development
Use of secure coding practices
Implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Regular updates and patching of security vulnerabilities
Conducting penetration tests

In addition, an incident response strategy should be developed so that security breaches can be responded to quickly.

MAST tools and techniques

There is a wide range of tools and techniques that can be used in Mobile Application Security Testing:

Static code analysis: Examines the app's source code to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Dynamic analysis: Checks the app's interaction with the runtime environment to detect security gaps while it is running.
Penetration testing: Simulated attacks on the app to find security vulnerabilities under real-world conditions.
Security reviews of third-party libraries: Identifies potential risks arising from the use of insecure third-party components.

The choice of the right tool depends on the specific requirements and the complexity of the mobile application.

Benefits of Mobile Application Security Testing

Conducting MAST offers several benefits:

Increased security of the mobile application and the entire ecosystem.
Protection of sensitive user data and fulfillment of data protection requirements.
Prevention of data leaks and unauthorized access.
An improved app reputation thanks to users' trust in the security measures.

A well-implemented MAST program not only ensures that the app is secure but also strengthens user trust and protects the company's brand.

Best practices for Mobile Application Security Testing

Test early and continuously: Integrate security testing into the development process and the CI/CD pipeline instead of checking only before release.
Use recognized standards: Use the OWASP MASVS and the OWASP Mobile Application Security Testing Guide (MASTG) as the basis for testing.
Include the backend: Test not only the app but also the connected APIs and server components.
Cover both platforms: Test Android and iOS versions separately, as they differ in architecture and protection mechanisms.
Track results: Prioritize identified vulnerabilities by risk and confirm remediation through retesting.

Common challenges and solutions

Short release cycles

Frequent app updates leave little time for manual reviews. Automated static and dynamic tests in the build pipeline, complemented by regular manual penetration tests, address this.

Variety of devices and operating system versions

Apps run on numerous devices and OS versions. Tests should cover the versions actually supported and, where possible, be performed on real devices.

Third-party SDKs

Embedded libraries and SDKs can introduce vulnerabilities or unwanted data flows. An inventory of the components used and their regular review reduce this risk.

Measuring success

Meaningful metrics for MAST include:

Number of vulnerabilities found, by severity
Time to remediate critical vulnerabilities
Share of releases that were security-tested before publication

Your next step

Our experts help you test your mobile apps for vulnerabilities in a targeted way and integrate security testing permanently into your development process.