iOSAppPenetrationTesting
iOS applications carry payment credentials, health data, and authentication tokens that represent significant value to attackers. Our CREST-accredited testers assess your app on physical jailbroken devices, covering Keychain forensics, binary protections, SSL pinning bypass, jailbreak detection, and all seven OWASP MASVS control domains. You receive a findings report your auditors will accept and your developers can act on.
Why automated scanners miss iOS vulnerabilities.
Mobile SAST tools scan for known patterns. They cannot bypass jailbreak detection, hook Objective-C methods with Frida, or test whether your Keychain items use the correct protection class. That requires a human with a jailbroken device.
Why iOS Apps Fail Security Testing
Findings from Precursor's iOS assessments and industry research. These are the failure modes that automated scanners are architecturally incapable of detecting.
Most Common Critical Finding
Across our iOS assessments, insecure Keychain storage, credentials accessible without device unlock, is the single most frequently identified critical vulnerability.
Assessment Duration
Standard iOS app assessments complete in 3-5 testing days. You receive a full MASVS-mapped report within five business days of testing completion.
OWASP MASVS Coverage
Every finding maps to one of the seven MASVS control categories: STORAGE, CRYPTO, AUTH, NETWORK, PLATFORM, CODE, and RESILIENCE.
Controls
iOS Vulnerabilities Scanners Cannot Find.
Anonymised examples from recent iOS application penetration testing engagements. These are the vulnerabilities that automated SAST tools are architecturally incapable of detecting.
OAuth Tokens Stored with kSecAttrAccessibleAlways
Keychain enumeration on a jailbroken device revealed OAuth refresh tokens stored with the kSecAttrAccessibleAlways protection class. Tokens remained accessible after device lock, enabling persistent session hijacking from a lost or stolen device.
Hardcoded API Keys in Application Binary
Static analysis of the decrypted binary revealed production API keys and a Firebase service account credential embedded as string constants. The credentials provided read/write access to the production Firestore database.
Jailbreak Detection Bypass in Under 10 Seconds
The application used a commercial jailbreak detection SDK that checked for common filesystem artefacts. A single Frida script hooked the detection method and returned false, bypassing all checks on a checkra1n-jailbroken device.
SSL Pinning Not Enforced on Authentication Endpoints
The application did not implement certificate pinning on any API endpoint. App Transport Security exceptions in the Info.plist disabled validation for the API domain, enabling man-in-the-middle interception of all traffic.
Custom URL Scheme Accepts Unauthenticated Deep Links
A registered custom URL scheme accepted deep link parameters that triggered authenticated actions without verifying the calling application. A malicious app could invoke payment flows by crafting a URL with the correct scheme and parameters.
Sensitive Files Written Without Data Protection API
User profile data and cached API responses were written to the Documents directory without applying the iOS Data Protection API. Files remained accessible on locked devices and survived iTunes backups without encryption.
When Do Organisations Commission This Test?
iOS app penetration testing is typically triggered by one of these six scenarios. If any apply, you are in the right place.
Pre-Launch Security Gate
New iOS app or major release approaching App Store submission and your stakeholders require independent security sign-off before go-live.
Compliance Audit Finding
Your ISO 27001, PCI DSS, or NHS DSPT audit has identified iOS application testing as a control gap.
Enterprise Client Mandate
A client, partner, or enterprise buyer has requested evidence of third-party iOS application security testing before contract award or renewal.
Failed Previous Test
A prior vendor delivered an automated MobSF scan report dressed as a penetration test. No PoC exploits, no MASVS mapping, no Keychain analysis. Your auditor rejected it.
Cyber Insurance Renewal
Your cyber insurance renewal requires evidence of penetration testing activity against iOS applications that process sensitive customer data.
DevSecOps Release Gate
You need iOS security testing that integrates with your release cycle. Pre-release IPA builds, TestFlight distributions, and rapid turnaround for CI/CD pipelines.
How We Test
iOS Applications
We conduct testing on physical jailbroken devices using Frida, Objection, and Burp Suite alongside manual analysis techniques. Every test covers all seven OWASP MASVS control domains.
IPA Decryption & Static Analysis
We decrypt the App Store binary using Clutch or Frida and analyse compiler protections (PIE, stack canaries, ARC), stripped symbols, and hardcoded credentials or API keys embedded in the binary.
Jailbreak Detection & SSL Pinning Bypass
Frida and Objection hook Objective-C and Swift methods to bypass jailbreak detection, SSL pinning, and biometric authentication controls. We prove that client-side defences are circumventable by an attacker with device access, satisfying MASVS-RESILIENCE requirements.
Keychain Forensics & Data Protection
We enumerate all Keychain items and verify their accessibility attributes, identifying credentials stored with overly permissive protection classes such as kSecAttrAccessibleAlways that remain accessible after device lock or wipe. Covers MASVS-STORAGE and data protection class verification.
URL Schemes & Universal Links
We enumerate and test all registered custom URL schemes and universal links for injection vulnerabilities, unauthorised deep-link access, and cross-application data leakage. Covers scheme hijacking, pasteboard exposure, and MASVS-PLATFORM controls.
Cryptographic Implementation Review
We review algorithm selection, key management practices, and custom cryptographic implementations. We identify use of deprecated algorithms (MD5, SHA-1), hardcoded cryptographic material, and insufficient entropy sources. Maps to MASVS-CRYPTO controls.
Network & API Interception
We bypass SSL pinning to intercept and tamper with all API traffic using Burp Suite, testing authentication, authorisation, and data validation at the network layer. App Transport Security configuration is verified against MASVS-NETWORK requirements. See also our dedicated API security testing service.
OWASP MASVS Compliance Mapping
The OWASP Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS) defines the security requirements for iOS and Android applications. Our assessment covers all seven MASVS control categories at both L1 (standard security) and L2 (defence-in-depth) levels. Every finding references the specific MASVS control it violates, producing evidence accepted by PCI DSS QSAs, ISO 27001 auditors, and NHS DSPT assessors.
Keychain accessibility attributes, file protection classes, SQLite databases, plist inspection, and backup encryption.
Algorithm selection, key management, entropy analysis, and hardcoded cryptographic material detection.
Authentication controls, session management, biometric implementation (Face ID/Touch ID), and token handling.
SSL pinning bypass, App Transport Security configuration, and certificate validation.
URL scheme handling, universal links, pasteboard exposure, and deep link security.
Binary protections (PIE, stack canaries, ARC), anti-debugging controls, and anti-tampering.
Jailbreak detection bypass, runtime integrity checks, and reverse engineering resistance.
For mobile application security testing covering both iOS and Android, see our mobile application penetration testing service page. For Android-specific assessments, see our Android application security assessment.
The Assessment Process
Four phases from binary extraction to remediation-ready report.
Binary Extraction & Static Analysis
Decrypting the App Store binary using Clutch or Frida to enable static analysis of compiler protections, symbol tables, and hardcoded secrets.
Runtime Instrumentation
Using Frida and Objection to trace method calls and modify return values in real-time, testing authentication controls, biometric bypass, and data handling logic.
API & Network Traffic Interception
Bypassing SSL pinning to intercept and tamper with API traffic, testing authentication, authorisation, and data validation at the network layer.
Report & Retest
Your report includes an executive summary, CVSS-scored findings, OWASP MASVS control mapping, reproduction steps, and code-level remediation guidance. A single retest of all fixed findings is included at no additional cost.
What You Get
Every iOS application penetration test includes the following deliverables, formatted for both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders.
Reports are delivered via our real-time penetration testing portal with role-based access. Also available in PDF and DOCX formats. Assessment window re-testing included at no additional cost.
Close the Loop.
After the Test.
A penetration test is a point-in-time assessment. After your iOS app goes live, our Managed Detection and Response service monitors for API abuse, credential compromise, and anomalous mobile authentication patterns in real time. The same firm that found the vulnerabilities helps you detect when someone tries to exploit them.
Scope a Combined EngagementFull Mobile Testing
iOS and Android tested under a single engagement with shared backend API coverage.
API Security Testing
Dedicated API assessment covering unlinked endpoints, auth flows, and OWASP API Top 10.
24/7 SOC Monitoring
Continuous monitoring for credential compromise, API abuse, and mobile-backend threats.
Android Assessment
APK decompilation, exported component testing, root detection bypass, and MASVS compliance.
Full Penetration Testing Catalogue
Comprehensive penetration testing services tailored to your environment.
Internal Testing
Post-perimeter assessments targeting Active Directory, lateral movement, privilege escalation, and segmentation validation from inside your network.
The best time to test your defences is now.
Join the high-growth companies relying on Precursor for continuous offensive and defensive security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this service, methodologies, and deliverables.
The main factors that affect iOS app penetration testing cost are: (1) number of user roles and authentication flows, (2) number of third-party SDK integrations, (3) whether the app communicates with a backend API that also requires testing, and (4) whether MASVS Level 1 or Level 2 coverage is required. A standard business app with one or two user roles and limited integrations will typically fall in the £4,000-£6,000 range. Highly integrated apps with multiple flows, custom cryptography, or compliance-driven MASVS Level 2 requirements typically fall in the £6,000-£10,000 range. We provide fixed quotes after an app review call.
The report includes an executive summary suitable for board or audit presentation, a technical findings section with CVSS scores and reproduction steps, a MASVS control mapping table, code-level remediation guidance, and a remediation tracking matrix. A single retest of all fixed findings is included within 60 days of report delivery at no additional cost.
Our iOS assessments cover all seven MASVS control domains: MASVS-STORAGE (Keychain and file protection), MASVS-CRYPTO (algorithm selection and key management), MASVS-AUTH (authentication and session management), MASVS-NETWORK (ATS, SSL pinning, certificate validation), MASVS-PLATFORM (URL schemes, deep links, pasteboard), MASVS-CODE (binary protections, anti-debugging), and MASVS-RESILIENCE (jailbreak detection bypass, runtime integrity). The report maps every finding to the relevant MASVS control.
Yes. We conduct both jailbroken and non-jailbroken testing. Non-jailbroken testing covers static binary analysis, network traffic interception, and API security testing. Jailbroken testing provides deeper access to the filesystem, Keychain, and runtime, enabling testing of controls like data protection classes and jailbreak detection bypass. Full MASVS coverage requires both approaches.
Jailbroken devices give us root access to the filesystem and runtime, simulating the maximum privilege an attacker could achieve. This allows us to test Keychain accessibility attributes, data protection classes, and jailbreak detection bypass, none of which are accessible on a standard device.
A standard iOS app assessment takes 3-5 testing days on-site or remotely. Scope is agreed following an app review call. The final report is delivered within 5 business days of testing completion. For compliance-driven engagements with fixed audit deadlines, we offer expedited scheduling.
Yes, our methodology covers apps written in Swift, Objective-C, React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin.
Yes. Free retesting within the assessment window is included. The retest focuses specifically on the vulnerabilities raised in the initial report. We issue a retest attestation letter confirming remediation status, which can be used as evidence for compliance audits or client assurance requests.