CEH v13: Hacking Mobile Platforms
Table of Contents
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Hacking Mobile Platforms targets Android and iOS in the EC-Council CEH v13 course. This module covers mobile attack surfaces, malicious apps, application analysis, and the controls that defend phones and tablets. Test only devices and apps you own or are explicitly authorized to assess, because mobile devices hold personal data protected by law.
Phones carry email, banking, and corporate access, yet they often skip the network controls that protect laptops. You learn how attackers reach that data and how strong policy stops them.
Mobile Attack Surfaces
Android and iOS both isolate apps, but their models differ.
| Platform | Isolation | Common weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Android | App sandbox plus permissions | Sideloading, fragmented patching |
| iOS | Sandbox plus strict app review | Jailbreak, enterprise profile abuse |
The OWASP Mobile Top 10 lists the most frequent flaws. Insecure data storage, weak cryptography, and poor session handling appear in most assessments.
- Insecure data storage leaves tokens and passwords in plaintext files.
- Insecure communication sends data without TLS or ignores certificate checks.
- Improper permission models grant apps more access than they need.
Malicious Apps and Sideloading
Attackers repackage trusted apps with added malware and host them outside official stores. Sideloading installs these apps from unknown sources.
- Trojanized apps hide spyware inside a working game or utility.
- Fake updates trick users into installing a malicious version.
- Overlay attacks draw a fake login screen on top of a real app.
A device that allows installs from unknown sources is one bad tap away from compromise.
Application Analysis with ADB and MobSF
You analyze mobile apps with static and dynamic tools. ADB (Android Debug Bridge) connects to a device or emulator over USB or TCP.
# List connected devices
adb devices
# Pull an installed APK for analysis
adb shell pm path com.target.app
adb pull /data/app/com.target.app/base.apk
# Inspect logs for leaked data
adb logcat | grep -i token
MobSF (Mobile Security Framework) automates static and dynamic analysis of APK and IPA files. It flags hardcoded secrets, weak crypto, and dangerous permissions in one report.
MDM, Jailbreaking, and Rooting
Jailbreaking (iOS) and rooting (Android) remove built-in restrictions and disable the sandbox. A rooted device lets malware reach data from any app.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) enforces policy across a fleet. Attackers target MDM bypass to remove enrollment, disable encryption, or sideload apps the policy blocks.
Mobile Defense
| Control | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Device encryption | Protects data if a device is lost |
| App vetting | Blocks untrusted and repackaged apps |
| MDM policy | Enforces passcodes, patching, and remote wipe |
| Containerization | Separates work data from personal apps |
For a hardened mobile baseline, review the GrapheneOS install guide , which removes much of the standard Android attack surface.
Next Steps
Continue with IoT and OT Hacking . Review the previous module on Hacking Wireless Networks and harden your own device with the GrapheneOS install guide . Return to the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH v13) Course .
