Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)

What is Mobile Application Security Testing

Mobile Application Security Testing, commonly known as MAST, is the practice of assessing mobile applications for security flaws in their code, runtime execution, and interactions with backend systems.

Unlike traditional web testing, MAST must account for device level storage, mobile operating systems, APIs, and network communication.

How MAST Works

MAST analyzes both the application package and its real-world behavior.

1. Static Analysis

Scans source code, bytecode, or binaries without running the app to detect:

• Hardcoded credentials
• Weak cryptography usage
• Insecure APIs
• Sensitive data exposure in code

2. Dynamic Analysis

Tests the app during execution to uncover runtime risks:

• Data leakage
• Insecure network traffic
• Session handling flaws
• Authentication bypass

3. Environment & Configuration Testing

Evaluates interaction with the mobile OS:

• Permissions misuse
• Debugging enabled in production
• Root/jailbreak exposure
• Insecure device configurations

4. Behavioral Monitoring

Observes runtime activity:

• Memory usage anomalies
• Unauthorized data access
• Suspicious app-to-app communication

5. Reporting & Remediation

Generates actionable findings with severity, impact, and fix guidance for developers.

MAST Testing Techniques

Why MAST Is Important

Mobile apps operate on untrusted devices and networks, making them prime attack targets.

MAST helps organizations:

• Prevent data leakage
• Protect user credentials
• Secure APIs and backend services
• Maintain compliance Preserve brand reputation

Why MAST Matters

Mobile apps handle sensitive user data including credentials, financial information, and personal details. Weak security can lead to data breaches, fraud, and brand damage.

MAST matters because it

• Protects user data on mobile devices
• Prevents insecure API communication
• Identifies hardcoded secrets
• Reduces risk of reverse engineering
• Strengthens compliance and trust

With millions of mobile users globally, mobile security cannot be overlooked.

How Mobile Application Security Testing Works

MAST combines multiple testing approaches to evaluate both static code and runtime behavior.

A typical MAST process includes

• Static analysis of mobile app code
• Dynamic testing during runtime
• API and backend communication review
• Data storage and encryption assessment
• Reverse engineering resistance testing

This layered approach ensures comprehensive coverage.

What to Look for in a MAST Solution

• Attacker-centric testing - detects real-world mobile exploit paths ‍
• Deep inspection - ML + rule-based vulnerability discovery \
• Protection validation - verifies encryption, keys, and runtime defenses ‍
• Customizable scans - tailored testing for different app risk levels ‍
• Prioritized triage - includes CVE, CVSS, and CWE mapping

Common Vulnerabilities Identified by MAST

Mobile applications face unique security risks.

Common findings include

• Insecure data storage
• Hardcoded credentials
• Improper certificate validation
• Weak encryption implementation
• Insecure API endpoints
• Lack of code obfuscation

These vulnerabilities can expose sensitive information.

MAST vs Traditional Application Testing

Traditional application testing often focuses on web or server environments. MAST specifically addresses mobile operating systems, device storage, and application packaging.

Mobile applications require testing across devices, operating systems, and network conditions.

Benefits of Mobile Application Security Testing

Effective MAST strengthens mobile app resilience and protects users from exploitation.

Benefits include

• Early vulnerability detection
• Reduced app store rejection risk
• Improved user trust
• Better compliance alignment
• Lower incident response costs

Security testing enhances mobile application reliability.

Challenges in Mobile Application Security Testing

Mobile environments introduce complexity.

Common challenges include

• Fragmented operating systems
• Device diversity
• Encrypted traffic analysis
• Rapid app updates
• Integrating testing into mobile DevOps

Continuous testing improves long term security posture.

MAST in Modern Cybersecurity

With mobile apps central to digital banking, healthcare, e commerce, and enterprise services, MAST is a critical part of modern cybersecurity programs.

Organizations must treat mobile applications as primary attack surfaces.

Loginsoft Perspective

At Loginsoft, Mobile Application Security Testing is part of a broader intelligence driven application security strategy. Through our Vulnerability Intelligence, Threat Intelligence, and Security Engineering services, we help organizations identify and prioritize mobile risks.

Loginsoft supports MAST by

• Mapping vulnerabilities to real world exploit activity
• Identifying exposed APIs and backend risks
• Prioritizing remediation based on threat context
• Strengthening secure mobile development practices
• Reducing recurring vulnerability patterns

Our intelligence driven approach ensures mobile security testing delivers measurable risk reduction.

FAQ

Q1 What is Mobile Application Security Testing?

It is the process of evaluating mobile apps for security vulnerabilities in code, runtime, and backend communication.

Q2 Why is MAST important?

Because mobile apps handle sensitive data and are frequent attack targets.

Q3 What platforms does MAST cover?

Android and iOS mobile applications.

Q4 Does MAST include API testing?

Yes. Secure API communication is a key part of mobile app security.

Q5 How does Loginsoft enhance Mobile Application Security Testing?

Loginsoft enriches MAST findings with threat intelligence and risk based prioritization.