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Android Pentesting Basics - Academic Structured

This document provides an overview of Android application penetration testing, detailing methodologies, tools, and common vulnerabilities. It serves as a guide for cybersecurity students and mobile security professionals to understand attack surfaces and secure coding practices. Key topics include static and dynamic analysis, common vulnerabilities like insecure data storage, and best practices for developers.

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nivedtest1604
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10 views2 pages

Android Pentesting Basics - Academic Structured

This document provides an overview of Android application penetration testing, detailing methodologies, tools, and common vulnerabilities. It serves as a guide for cybersecurity students and mobile security professionals to understand attack surfaces and secure coding practices. Key topics include static and dynamic analysis, common vulnerabilities like insecure data storage, and best practices for developers.

Uploaded by

nivedtest1604
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Android Pentesting Basics - Academic

Generated on: 2025-05-04

Abstract
This document introduces Android application penetration testing, highlighting methodologies, tools, and

real-world vulnerabilities. It is intended for cybersecurity students and mobile security professionals to

understand the basic attack surfaces and secure coding practices.

1. Introduction to Android Pentesting


Android pentesting involves analyzing mobile apps for security flaws that could be exploited by malicious

actors. The process includes static and dynamic analysis of APK files.

2. Android Architecture Overview


The Android OS is based on a Linux kernel and comprises four layers: Applications, Application Framework,

Android Runtime, and Linux Kernel. Understanding this architecture is essential for identifying attack

surfaces.

3. Common Vulnerabilities
- Insecure Data Storage (e.g., storing credentials in plain text)

- Insecure Communication (e.g., missing SSL validation)

- Hardcoded Secrets

- Exported Components without Permissions

- Weak Cryptography

4. Tools Used in Android Pentesting


- JADX: for decompiling APKs

- Apktool: for reverse engineering

- MobSF: for automated static/dynamic analysis

- Frida: for runtime instrumentation

- adb (Android Debug Bridge): for device communication

5. Methodology
1. Static Analysis: Decompile APK and examine code for secrets and logic flaws.

2. Dynamic Analysis: Run the app in a virtual environment and inspect behavior during execution.

3. Traffic Analysis: Intercept traffic using tools like Burp Suite or Wireshark.

6. Case Study: Insecure Data Storage


In 2021, a security researcher discovered an Android finance app storing access tokens in shared

preferences without encryption. This led to account takeover risks. The issue was reported and patched

within two weeks.

7. Best Practices for Developers


- Never hardcode API keys or tokens

- Use secure storage (Keystore)

- Apply ProGuard/R8 for code obfuscation

- Enforce HTTPS with proper certificate validation

8. Conclusion
Android pentesting plays a vital role in mobile security. Regular testing and secure development practices

help mitigate risks and build user trust.

References
[1] OWASP Mobile Top 10: https://owasp.org/www-project-mobile-top-10/

[2] MobSF: https://github.com/MobSF/Mobile-Security-Framework-MobSF

[3] Android Developers Guide: https://developer.android.com

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