17 essential tools for ethical mobile hackers

Mobile hacking has become a key skill within the cybersecurity field. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by ethical hackers to ensure the security of mobile applications.

In this article, we will explore essential tools such as BurpSuite, JaDX, and APK Tool, while also highlighting the certifications that can propel your expertise to new heights. All these inputs were recommended by the expert on mobile hacking Arthusu, in our recent online event called 'Secrets of a hacker'.

Top Mobile Hacking Tools

1. BurpSuite

BurpSuite, a versatile tool for web application security testing, proves invaluable in mobile hacking. Its intercepting proxy allows you to examine and manipulate the communication between the mobile app and its server. This feature is essential for identifying vulnerabilities and potential exploits within the application's network traffic.

2. JaDX

JaDX serves as a powerful ally for hackers looking to understand the inner workings of Android applications. This tool simplifies the process of decompiling APK (Android Application Package) files, providing access to the app's source code. By decompiling an APK, ethical hackers can analyze the code, identify security flaws, and gain insights into the app's functionality.

3. APKTool

APKTool plays a crucial role in the mobile hacking toolkit by allowing users to disassemble and reassemble APK files. This capability is particularly useful for ethical hackers seeking to patch mobile applications. By dissecting and modifying the APK, security professionals can address vulnerabilities, enhance security measures, and even customize the application for ethical testing purposes.

4. reFlutter

An application often utilized to deal with Flutter apps that have their own SSL pinning, ignoring the proxy set in the mobile's network configuration. With reFlutter, the APK can be patched to instruct it to send data directly to Burp.

5. ABE (Android Backup Extractor)

ABE, short for Android Backup Extractor, plays a pivotal role in the ethical hacker's toolkit by facilitating the extraction of valuable information from Android applications. Particularly noteworthy is its prowess in retrieving sensitive data when the allowBackup attribute is active in the Android Manifest. By harnessing ABE, ethical hackers can delve into application backups, uncovering private information that might otherwise remain obscured.

6. GDA (Generic DEX Analyzer)

A powerful decompiler that offers a multitude of functions for delving into Android applications' source code. Noteworthy for its comprehensive insights, GDA stands out among decompilers, providing nuanced details for in-depth analysis.

7. ADB Shell

ADB Shell, an essential command-line tool, is wielded by ethical hackers to assess the vulnerability of exported components within Android applications. Beyond mere testing, it allows for in-depth exploration, enabling the hacker to scrutinize and understand the intricacies of these components, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of potential security loopholes.

8. Objection

A Frida-based framework with multiple functions, including evading root, SSL pinning, retrieving information from local storage, bypassing fingerprint, etc. It works on both Android and iOS, as it utilizes Frida in the background.

9. Frida

A useful tool for patching applications, applicable to both rooted/jailbroken and non-rooted/non-jailbroken devices. It allows real-time editing of the mobile application's behavior.

10. cURL

cURL, a versatile command-line tool, is employed for crafting queries that are not only reproducible but also user-friendly for clients. Its flexibility and simplicity make it an essential component in the ethical hacker's toolkit for seamless communication with web servers.

11. SSL Kill Switch

SSL Kill Switch serves as a vital tool for ethical hackers navigating SSL pinning challenges on iOS devices. By acting as a tweak, it effectively bypasses SSL pinning, decrypting the encrypted communication between iOS apps and servers. This unique capability empowers ethical hackers to scrutinize unencrypted traffic, facilitating a comprehensive security assessment and uncovering potential vulnerabilities within the app's communication protocols.

12. Hopper

Hopper, a tool designed for iOS binary reverse engineering, enables a deep dive into IPA files, revealing intricate details such as methods and potential secrets in the source code. Its precision and efficiency make it an invaluable asset for dissecting and understanding iOS applications.

13. ProxyDroid

ProxyDroid comes to the rescue when an Android application disregards the system proxy settings. It serves as a crucial intermediary, ensuring that network traffic flows seamlessly through designated proxies, enhancing the ethical hacker's control and visibility.

14. OpenSSH

OpenSSH on iOS opens up a gateway to explore internal folders, providing a secure means of navigating through the device's file system. Its versatility extends beyond secure file transfer, making it a handy tool for ethical hackers seeking deeper insights into iOS environments.

15. OpenVPN

OpenVPN proves indispensable when applications present challenges with SSL pinning. By setting up an OpenVPN server, an ethical hacker gains the ability to intercept and scrutinize HTTPS traffic, providing a strategic advantage in analyzing encrypted communication channels.

16. Rooted/Jailbroken Devices

Rooted and jailbroken devices serve as powerful allies in the ethical hacker's quest for comprehensive access and insights into mobile applications. These devices grant unrestricted permissions, allowing ethical hackers to explore and analyze stored information, intercept traffic, and interact extensively with applications. The ability to navigate through the inner workings of the device elevates the ethical hacker's capabilities, providing an invaluable perspective for security assessments.

17. Android Studio

Android Studio emerges as a multifaceted tool in the ethical hacker's arsenal, extending beyond its conventional use for app development. Leveraging its capabilities, ethical hackers can craft and deploy applications with malicious intent, specifically targeting and assessing exported components within Android apps. Its utility lies in its capacity to generate tailored applications for security testing, offering a nuanced approach to evaluating the robustness of Android app components.

Certifications for Mobile Hacking

For ethical hackers specializing in mobile hacking, these certifications can be very useful to elevate their skills in the field, and also ensure that you are well-equipped to address the complexities of securing mobile applications on multiple platforms.

eMAPT for Android

This certification is specifically designed to validate your proficiency in mobile application security, focusing on the Android platform. Covering areas such as penetration testing, code analysis, and secure coding practices, eMAPT for Android is a recognized credential for those specializing in Android mobile hacking.

7a Security Mobile Certification for Android and iOS

Addressing both major mobile platforms, Android and iOS, the 7a Security Mobile Certification is a comprehensive validation of your skills in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities. This certification includes a broad spectrum of mobile security topics, making it a valuable asset for ethical hackers engaged in mobile application security across diverse environments.

Enhancing the work within mobile hacking requires a combination of powerful tools and a deep understanding of the mobile application scenario. By incorporating tools like BurpSuite, JaDX, and APK Tool, and pursuing relevant certifications, you can elevate your skills and contribute to secure mobile applications.