Request for Proposal: Mobile Application Penetration Testing Android and iOS Applications.

gayatri r
5 min readAug 11, 2024

--

This document serves as a formal Request for Proposal (“RFP”) providing specialized services in Mobile Application Penetration Testing.

1.Introduction

Abrakadabra Systems is providing proposal to conduct comprehensive mobile application penetration testing. The purpose of this RFP is to solicit competitive proposals to ensure the security and integrity of mobile applications. The Abrakadabra Systems will be responsible for conducting mobile application on iOS and Android penetration testing methodologies to identify vulnerabilities and recommend remediation measures.

2. Background

In today’s interconnected digital world, mobile applications play a crucial role in our daily lives, serving as a gateway to sensitive information and services. However, this increased reliance on mobile technology also exposes us to various security threats such as data breaches, malware, and unauthorized access. To safeguard our users and data, it is imperative to conduct regular security assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks proactively.

2. Scope of Work

Abrakadabra Systems will be responsible for performing comprehensive penetration testing on our Android and iOS mobile applications.

The scope of work includes, but is not limited to:

· Identifying security vulnerabilities in the application code, backend services, and APIs.

· Assessing the effectiveness of encryption mechanisms and data storage practices.

· Conducting a thorough analysis of the authentication and authorization mechanisms.

· Verify the effectiveness of user authentication mechanisms.

· Test for weak password policies and account lockout features.

· Check for unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionalities.

· Check for unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionalities.

· Verify the effectiveness of user authentication mechanisms.

· Check for the presence of elevated privilege escalation, such as root access on Android devices or jailbroken status on iOS devices.

· Testing Emulator Detection

· Testing File Integrity Checks

· Making Sure that the App Is Properly Signed

· Testing Obfuscation

· Testing for Debugging Symbols

· Testing for Debugging Code and Verbose Error Logging

· Testing Anti-Debugging Detection

· Testing whether the App is Debuggable

· Testing Reverse Engineering Tools Detection

· Testing Enforced Updating

· Checking for Weaknesses in Third Party Libraries

· Memory Corruption Bugs

· Testing Auto-Generated Screenshots for Sensitive Information

· Checking for Sensitive Data Disclosed Through the User Interface

· Determining Whether Native Methods Are Exposed Through WebViews

· Testing iOS WebViews and its protocol Handlers

· Testing App Permissions

· Testing App Extensions

· Testing for Sensitive Functionality Exposure Through IPC

· Testing UIPasteboard

· Testing Custom URL Schemes

· Testing Universal Links

· Testing Data Encryption on the Network

· Testing the TLS Settings

· Testing Endpoint Identity Verification

· Testing Custom Certificate Stores and Certificate Pinning

· Testing Local Data Storage

· Checking Logs for Sensitive Data

· Testing Memory for Sensitive Data

· Testing Backups for Sensitive Data

· Finding Sensitive Data in the Keyboard Cache

· Determining Whether Sensitive Data Is Shared with Third Parties

· Testing Key Management

· Testing for Hardcoded Secrets in source code

· Testing for Unprotected Endpoints (Deeplink, Activitity, Service …)

3.Methodologies

· The Methodology provides an overview of general security testing principles and key terminology for mobile app security testing. It covers concepts such as white-box testing, black-box testing, and gray-box testing. It also discusses vulnerability analysis, static and dynamic analysis, penetration testing, and security testing during the software development life cycle.

· The methodology discusses vulnerability analysis, including static and dynamic analysis, and provides insights into the principles and methods of static analysis, manual code review, and automated source code analysis.

· It explains the process of penetration testing, including preparation, intelligence gathering, mapping the application, exploitation, and reporting, and recommends the use of the Mobile App Security Verification Standard (MASVS) and associated checklist for testing at the end of the development process.

· The methodology also delves into security testing during the software development life cycle, discussing the evolution from Waterfall methodologies to Agile/DevOps and DevSecOps, and the integration of security into the development life cycle, including risk assessment, security requirements, threat modeling, secure coding, and testing strategies.

Abrakadabra systems should also be apprised of critical applications deemed of high priority, necessitating a meticulous and sensitive approach in handling. Additionally, any relevant contextual details regarding these applications would enhance the assessment process.

The essential requisites from the client encompass the provision of Android application and iOS application files provided with login credentials, and, if feasible, a scope meeting for the application. Additionally, any supplementary information pertinent to the assessment process would be valuable.

M1: Improper Platform Usage: Not using platform features correctly, which can lead to security vulnerabilities.

M2: Insecure Data Storage: Storing sensitive data in an insecure manner, making it accessible to unauthorized users.

M3: Insecure Communication: Transmitting data insecurely, potentially allowing attackers to intercept and manipulate it.

M4: Insecure Authentication: Weak or easily bypassed authentication methods, making it easier for unauthorized access.

M5: Insufficient Cryptography: Weak or improperly implemented encryption, leading to data exposure.

M6: Insecure Authorization: Allowing unauthorized access to functionalities or data due to inadequate authorization controls.

M7: Client Code Quality: Poor quality coding in the client-side application, making it vulnerable to attacks and exploitation.

M8: Code Tampering: Unauthorized modification of code, potentially leading to security breaches or malicious activities.

M9: Reverse Engineering: The process of deconstructing and analyzing a mobile app’s code to understand its logic and potentially exploit it.

M10: Extraneous Functionality: Including unnecessary features that could introduce security risks and vulnerabilities to the mobile app.

4. Deliverables

· Abrakadabra Systems is anticipated to furnish a comprehensive report delineating all identified vulnerabilities within the web application. This report will meticulously outline the severity of each vulnerability and its potential impact on the application’s security.

· Furthermore, the document will provide detailed recommendations for remediation, presenting a prioritized set of steps to effectively address the identified vulnerabilities. The emphasis here is on a thorough analysis that not only highlights the weaknesses but also offers actionable insights to fortify the security framework of the web applications.

· In addition to the detailed vulnerability report, the Abrakadabra Systems is expected to present an executive summary encapsulating key finding. This summary will distil the essence of the report, offering stakeholders a concise overview of critical security aspects.

· It will not only pinpoint vulnerabilities but also provide actionable insights, allowing for informed decision-making to enhance the overall security posture of the web applications.

· Complementing the executive summary, the Abrakadabra Systems will provide technical documentation elucidating the testing methodologies employed, the tools utilized, and a comprehensive breakdown of the testing results.

· This documentation ensures transparency and facilitates a clear understanding of the testing process, contributing to the credibility and usability of the assessment outcomes.

--

--

gayatri r
gayatri r

No responses yet