For businesses, securing mobile apps is now a top priority. Mobile Application Penetration Testing (MAPT) helps identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. To achieve this, cybersecurity professionals rely on manual and automated penetration testing techniques and a variety of tools.
In this blog, we will explore the top tools used in mobile application penetration testing, their key features, and why they matter for your business’s security.
Understanding the Role of Tools in Mobile App Penetration Testing
Every mobile app is different- some are native (Android/iOS), others are hybrid or mobile web-based. Mobile Application Penetration Testing tools vary depending on the app architecture and the testing methodology:
- SAST (Static Application Security Testing): Examines source code without running the app.
- DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing): Tests the app in real-time while it’s running.
- IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing): Combines both static and dynamic approaches.
Best Mobile Application Penetration Testing Tools in 2025
In 2025, a range of advanced tools empower security professionals to uncover vulnerabilities, strengthen defenses, and ensure compliance. Below are the top mobile application penetration testing tools that stand out for their effectiveness, versatility, and enterprise readiness.
1. Burp Suite
Overview:
Burp Suite is one of the most widely used tools for mobile and web application security testing. It helps identify vulnerabilities through intercepting and analyzing network traffic between the client and server.
Key Features:
- Intercepts HTTP/S requests and responses for analysis.
- Supports mobile app API testing.
- Offers extensions through Burp App Store for enhanced functionality.
- Intercept and modify HTTP/S requests.
- Perform automated vulnerability scans.
- Identify weak authentication and session handling issues.
- Extend capabilities via BApp Store plugins.
Usage Type:
- App Type: Native, Hybrid, and Web-based apps
- Testing Type: DAST (Dynamic)
- Function: Both vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing
Why Businesses Use It:
Burp Suite allows testers to detect flaws like cross-site scripting (XSS), insecure session handling, and broken authentication.
2. Veracode
Overview:
Veracode is a leading Static Application Security Testing (SAST) solution that integrates security into the development lifecycle. It provides fast, accurate scans and real-time feedback for developers.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive SAST with <1.1% false positive rate
- Supports 100+ languages and frameworks
- Real-time IDE integration for secure coding
- CI/CD pipeline integration
- AI-powered remediation and compliance reporting
Usage Type:
- App Type: Mobile apps, web apps, and enterprise applications
- Testing Type: SAST (Static)
- Function: Code-level vulnerability detection and remediation guidance
Why Businesses Use It:
Veracode enables organizations to shift security left, reduce risk early in development, and comply with standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR without slowing delivery cycles.
3. Metasploit
Overview:
Metasploit is a powerful penetration testing framework used to exploit known vulnerabilities in mobile applications and networks and assess mobile app defenses.
Key Features:
- Supports payload testing and privilege escalation.
- Custom exploit creation.
- Simulates real-world attacks.
- Tests device and server communication security.
- Works with Android emulators for deeper testing.
Usage Type:
- App Type: Native (Android/iOS), Hybrid
- Testing Type: Dynamic
- Function: Penetration testing only
Why Businesses Use It:
Metasploit helps assess how far an attacker could go once they compromise a mobile app.
4. Checkmarx
Overview:
Checkmarx is a popular Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tool that scans source code to detect security flaws early in the development stage.
Key Features:
- Analyzes source code for vulnerabilities like injection flaws or insecure data handling.
- Integrates with CI/CD pipelines.
- Provides detailed reports and remediation advice.
Usage Type:
- App Type: Native, Hybrid
- Testing Type: SAST (Static)
- Function: Vulnerability scanning only
Why Businesses Use It:
Checkmarx reduces costs and risks by identifying weaknesses before the app goes live.
5. Data Theorem, Inc.
Overview:
Data Theorem provides automated mobile application security testing focused on continuous monitoring and protection.
Key Features:
- Automated vulnerability scanning.
- Real-time threat detection.
- Compliance checks for data privacy laws.
- Continuous API and SDK analysis.
Usage Type:
- App Type: Native, Hybrid, Web-connected apps
- Testing Type: DAST + IAST
- Function: Vulnerability scanning and continuous risk monitoring
Why Businesses Use It:
It offers full visibility into mobile app security across development, testing, and production environments.
6. QARK (Quick Android Review Kit)
Overview:
Developed by LinkedIn, QARK is an open-source tool for Android app vulnerability assessment. It focuses on identifying misconfigurations and coding errors in android APKs.
Key Features:
- Static code analysis for Android apps.
- Identifies insecure permissions and components.
- Scans for insecure app components.
- Generates detailed vulnerability reports.
- Provides remediation guidance.
- Supports APK file testing.
Usage Type:
- App Type: Native Android apps
- Testing Type: SAST (Static)
- Function: While it can generate exploit APKs, it does not perform live penetration testing. It’s best used in early development or code review stages.
Why Businesses Use It:
QARK is highly efficient for Android app developers looking to strengthen their app security posture through static code analysis and proof-of-concept exploit generation.
7. Appknox
Overview:
Appknox is a mobile application security testing platform offering SAST, DAST, API testing, and manual penetration testing. It focuses on CI/CD integration and compliance readiness for enterprises.
Key Features:
- Automated and manual vulnerability scanning
- Real device testing for accurate results
- API security testing
- Compliance-ready reports (PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR)
- CI/CD integration for DevSecOps
Usage Type:
- App Type: Native Android/iOS, hybrid apps, and APIs
- Testing Type: SAST + DAST + Manual Penetration Testing
- Function: Comprehensive vulnerability detection and compliance reporting
Why Businesses Use It:
Appknox enables enterprises to secure mobile apps across development stages, meet compliance requirements, and reduce risk with continuous monitoring and expert validation.
8. Wireshark
Overview:
Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer used to capture and inspect mobile app traffic. It helps identify insecure data transmissions and weak encryption.
Key Features:
- Identifies unencrypted communication.
- Captures live network packets.
- Displays detailed protocol analysis.
- Detects unencrypted or misconfigured network traffic.
- Supports multiple operating systems.
Usage Type:
- App Type: All app types communicating over a network
- Testing Type: DAST
- Function: Network traffic analysis. Wireshark does not scan for vulnerabilities. It helps observe and analyze traffic to manually identify issues.
Why Businesses Use It:
Wireshark allows testers to manually inspect whether mobile apps are securely transmitting user data, especially useful for identifying plaintext transmissions and protocol misconfigurations.
9. NowSecure
Overview:
NowSecure is a mobile-focused security testing platform that combines automated and manual testing for comprehensive coverage. Recently, NowSecure added day-one support for iOS 26 and launched NowSecure Privacy to detect hidden privacy leaks.
Key Features:
- Performs SAST, DAST, and API testing.
- Provides compliance checks for GDPR, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.
- Delivers fast, detailed risk reports.
- Integrates with DevSecOps pipelines.
Usage Type:
- App Type: Native, Hybrid, and Web-backed
- Testing Type: SAST + DAST
- Function: Both penetration testing and vulnerability scanning
Why Businesses Use It:
NowSecure helps organizations maintain app security continuously while aligning with compliance standards.
10. Nikto
Overview:
Nikto is an open-source web server scanner that detects outdated components, misconfigurations, and insecure headers and can also assess the backend servers supporting mobile apps, especially hybrid and web-based ones.
Key Features:
- Detects outdated server components.
- Scans for dangerous files and misconfigurations.
- Identifies insecure HTTP headers.
- Generates detailed vulnerability reports.
Usage Type:
- App Type: Mobile web and hybrid apps
- Testing Type: DAST
- Function: Vulnerability scanning only
Why Businesses Use It:
Nikto complements mobile app testing by securing the backend infrastructure (web servers and APIs) that mobile apps interact with. It ensures the servers hosting your mobile apps are not an easy target for attackers.
11. HCL AppScan
Overview:
HCL AppScan is a versatile application security testing platform offering SAST, DAST, IAST, and API security testing. It is designed for large-scale enterprise environments and compliance-driven workflows.
Key Features:
- AI-powered vulnerability detection and triage
- Supports SAST, DAST, IAST, and API testing
- Detailed vulnerability reports with remediation guidance
- Integration with DevOps toolchains
- Compliance templates for PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR
Usage Type:
- App Type: Web apps, mobile apps, and APIs
- Testing Type: SAST + DAST + IAST
- Function: Automated scanning, vulnerability management, and compliance reporting
Why Businesses Use It:
HCL AppScan helps organizations achieve regulatory compliance, reduce security debt, and integrate security testing into DevSecOps pipelines without slowing development.
12. Contrast Security
Overview:
Contrast Security is an advanced Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) solution that combines SAST, DAST, and runtime analysis. It instruments applications with sensors to detect vulnerabilities in real time during execution.
Key Features:
- Real-time vulnerability detection inside running apps
- Combines SAST, DAST, and IAST for comprehensive coverage
- Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)
- Low false positives and detailed remediation guidance
- Integrates with CI/CD and IDEs for DevSecOps workflows
Usage Type:
- App Type: Web and mobile applications (including APIs)
- Testing Type: IAST (Interactive), plus SAST and DAST capabilities
- Function: Continuous vulnerability detection and remediation guidance
Why Businesses Use It:
Contrast Security helps organizations detect vulnerabilities early, reduce false positives, and integrate security seamlessly into development pipelines for compliance with standards like PCI DSS, GDPR, and ISO 27001.
Mobile Application Penetration Testing by Peneto Labs
At Peneto Labs, we specialize in advanced Mobile Application Penetration Testing services tailored for businesses. Our experts combine tools like Burp Suite, Metasploit, Checkmarx, and NowSecure to uncover hidden risks across Android, iOS, and hybrid apps.
Our Core Offerings Include:
- Static and dynamic mobile app assessments.
- OWASP Mobile Top 10 vulnerability checks.
- Secure API and backend testing.
- Detailed reports with prioritized remediation.
With Peneto Labs, your mobile apps stay resilient against modern threats- ensuring trust, compliance, and data protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between SAST and DAST?
SAST analyzes source code before execution. DAST tests the running app for runtime vulnerabilities.
2. Are these tools used for all mobile platforms?
Yes, most tools support both Android and iOS apps, while some focus on hybrid and web-backed apps.
3. How often should mobile apps undergo penetration testing?
Mobile apps must undergo penetration testing at least once a year, and after every major update or API integration.
4. Do these tools replace manual testing?
No, automated tools identify known flaws, while manual pentesting detects complex logic and runtime issues.
5. Why do businesses need mobile app pentesting?
Businesses need mobile app pentesting to protect customer data, maintain compliance, and prevent cyberattacks targeting financial or personal information.
Final Thoughts
Your business’s success depends not only on innovation but also on how well you protect your mobile applications. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, relying solely on basic security checks is no longer enough. Mobile Application Penetration Testing helps to keep your data, users, and brand reputation safe.
By leveraging the right combination of mobile penetration testing tools, businesses can ensure comprehensive testing across both Android and iOS environments. However, tools alone are not enough; expertise matters.
Partnering with Peneto Labs, gives you access to certified cybersecurity professionals who combine advanced tools with testing methodologies to secure your mobile application. Talk to us today and secure your mobile apps today because in cybersecurity, early prevention is the strongest protection.