Application Security Testing (AST)

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)

MAST is a specialized approach to securing mobile applications by identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses specific to mobile environments.

Rainforest DevSecOps analyses — Mobile Application Security Testing highlighted
Overview

What is MAST?

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST) identifies security vulnerabilities within mobile applications across both Android and iOS. It combines elements of Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), tailored for mobile environments.

MAST covers a wide range of concerns — from code vulnerabilities and insecure data storage to risks in the app's interaction with mobile operating systems and third-party libraries.

How it works

Static and dynamic analysis, built for mobile

MAST examines both the static code and the dynamic behavior of mobile applications to uncover security flaws.

  1. 1

    Static Analysis

    The tool analyzes the app's source code, decompiled code or binaries — focused on mobile-specific issues like insecure APIs, improper cryptography and hardcoded credentials.

  2. 2

    Dynamic Analysis

    It tests the app while running, simulating user interactions to check for data leakage, insecure network communications and improper session handling.

  3. 3

    Environment & Configuration

    It evaluates the app's interaction with the mobile OS — permissions, configurations and potential exploitation points in the OS or device settings.

  4. 4

    Behavioral Analysis

    It monitors the app's behavior around data access, memory usage and interaction with other apps or services, flagging suspicious or unauthorized actions.

  5. 5

    Reporting & Remediation

    MAST generates a comprehensive report of the vulnerabilities discovered, their impact and suggested remediation steps.

Use case

Ship mobile apps users can trust

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 the final stages of development, where MAST identifies vulnerabilities before the app is released to app stores. It is critical for industries handling sensitive data — finance, healthcare and enterprise — where mobile app security is non-negotiable. Built into the mobile development lifecycle, it protects against breaches and data leaks while maintaining user trust and regulatory compliance.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)?

MAST identifies security vulnerabilities in mobile apps across iOS and Android, combining static and dynamic analysis tailored for mobile environments.

Does MAST cover both iOS and Android?

Yes. MAST is built for both Android and iOS platforms.

What does MAST check for?

Insecure APIs, improper cryptography, hardcoded credentials, insecure data storage, insecure network communications, improper session handling and risky OS interactions.

Does MAST test the running app?

Yes. Alongside static analysis, it performs dynamic and behavioral analysis while the app runs to catch real-world issues.

When should MAST be used?

Most valuably in the final stages of development, before release to app stores — and continuously for apps handling sensitive data.

Security for your iOS and Android apps

Find mobile-specific vulnerabilities before your app reaches the store.