Android Pentesting can make you $500/day.

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Mobile application penetration testing is an exciting and lucrative area within cybersecurity. With Android being the most widely used operating system globally, its apps are prime targets for pentesters and security researchers to uncover vulnerabilities.

This guide introduces Android application pentesting, explains the tools and techniques involved, provides real-world examples of vulnerabilities, and outlines potential earnings from bug bounties.

Android pentesting involves assessing an application’s security to uncover vulnerabilities such as:

Insecure Data Storage: Sensitive data stored insecurely on a device.Broken Authentication: Weak authentication mechanisms allowing attackers to bypass login.Insufficient Encryption: Data in transit or at rest is not properly encrypted.API Vulnerabilities: Backend servers exposing unintended functionality.Reverse Engineering: Recovering sensitive information or bypassing restrictions using APK decompilation.

Why Focus on Android?

Open Source: Android allows easy access to its underlying systems for testing.Market Dominance: Android apps dominate globally, increasing the scope of testing.Bug Bounties: Companies reward handsomely for discovering vulnerabilities.

Example 1: Insecure Data Storage

A bug in a popular Android banking app was found where sensitive user information (e.g., account details) was stored in plain text within the app’s local SQLite database. A pentester could access this data by rooting the device and extracting files.

Example 2: Broken Authentication

In a messaging app, researchers discovered a flaw where sending an altered API request bypassed the login mechanism, granting unauthorized access to user accounts.

Example 3: Improper SSL Pinning

An e-commerce app failed to implement SSL pinning, allowing a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack to intercept sensitive information like payment details during transmission.

3.1 Essential Tools

APKTool:Purpose: Decompile and recompile APKs to analyze their source code.Example: Use APKTool to extract the source code of an app and check for hardcoded credentials.Command:apktool d app.apk -o output_folderBurp Suite:Purpose: Proxy tool for intercepting and modifying HTTP/S requests.Example: Identify API endpoints lacking authentication by intercepting requests between the app and the server.Setup: Configure Android emulator or real device to route traffic through Burp Proxy.Frida:Purpose: Dynamic instrumentation toolkit to analyze runtime behavior of apps.Example: Bypass root detection mechanisms.Command:frida -U -n <app_name> -e "<script>"MobSF (Mobile Security Framework):Purpose: Automated static and dynamic analysis of mobile apps.Example: Run an APK through MobSF for a detailed vulnerability report.ADB (Android Debug Bridge):Purpose: Interface with the Android device for debugging and extracting data.Example: Access application files on the device for analysis.Command:adb pull /data/data/<package_name>/databases/

Scenario: Testing a Social Media App for API Vulnerabilities

Set Up Your Environment:Use an Android emulator (e.g., Genymotion) or a rooted Android device.Install Burp Suite and configure the emulator/device to use Burp Proxy for HTTP/S traffic interception.Decompile the APK:Extract the app’s source code using APKTool.apktool d socialmedia.apk -o socialmedia_sourceLook for hardcoded API keys or sensitive information in the res and smali directories.Intercept Network Traffic:Launch the app and capture its traffic via Burp Suite.Analyze the API requests for insecure parameters or endpoints.Exploit API Weaknesses:Modify API requests (e.g., escalate user privileges) and observe the server response.Document Findings:Report issues such as API endpoints without proper authentication or sensitive data exposed.

Bug bounties for Android app vulnerabilities vary depending on severity and company policies:

Minor Bugs (e.g., improper input validation): $100–$500.Critical Bugs (e.g., data leaks, broken authentication): $1,000–$10,000.High-Profile Apps (e.g., financial or popular social apps): Up to $50,000+.

Examples:

A researcher earned $20,000 for discovering an authentication bypass in a financial app.Google’s Android Security Rewards Program offers up to $1,000,000 for critical exploits in the Android ecosystem.

Stay Updated: Learn about the latest OWASP Mobile Top 10 vulnerabilities.Practice on Labs: Use platforms like Damn Vulnerable Android App (DVAA) and Hack The Box Mobile Labs.Build a Portfolio: Share write-ups on platforms like Medium or GitHub to showcase your work.

Android pentesting is a rewarding field blending technical skills and creativity. With dedication, the right tools, and persistence, you can uncover significant vulnerabilities and earn well through bug bounty programs.

Happy hacking! 🚀

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