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#APPLICATION SECURITY TESTING

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) is a specialized approach to securing mobile applications by identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses specific to mobile environments.

  • What is MAST?
Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) is a testing methodology focused on identifying security vulnerabilities within mobile applications, including both Android and iOS platforms. MAST combines elements of Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tailored for mobile environments. It covers a wide range of security concerns, from code vulnerabilities and insecure data storage to potential risks in the app’s interaction with mobile operating systems and third-party libraries.

  • How MAST Works?

MAST operates by examining both the static code and the dynamic behavior of mobile applications to uncover security flaws. The process typically involves several key steps:

Static Analysis

The MAST tool starts by analyzing the mobile app’s source code, decompiled code, or binaries. This step is similar to SAST but focused on mobile-specific issues like insecure APIs, improper use of cryptography, and hardcoded credentials.

Dynamic Analysis

In this phase, the tool tests the mobile app while it’s running, simulating user interactions and analyzing how the app behaves in real-world scenarios. This includes checking for issues like data leakage, insecure network communications, and improper session handling.

Environment and Configuration

MAST also evaluates the app’s interaction with the mobile operating system, including permissions, configurations, and potential exploitation points in the OS or device settings.

Behavioral Analysis

The tool monitors the app’s behavior in terms of data access, memory usage, and interaction with other apps or services, identifying any suspicious or unauthorized actions.

Reporting and Remediation

After the analysis, MAST generates a comprehensive report detailing the vulnerabilities discovered, their impact, and suggested remediation steps. This ensures that developers have a clear path to securing the mobile application.

  • Use Case​
MAST is particularly valuable for organizations that develop or deploy mobile applications and need to ensure their security in the hands of end-users. A common use case is during the final stages of mobile app development, where MAST can identify any security vulnerabilities before the app is released to app stores. It’s also critical for industries dealing with sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, or enterprise applications, where mobile app security is non-negotiable. By integrating MAST into the mobile app development lifecycle, companies can protect against breaches and data leaks, maintaining user trust and compliance with regulations.

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