// Runtime iOS app security testing with Objection (Frida): inspect keychain and filesystem data, explore app internals at runtime, and validate/bypass client-side protections during authorized mobile assessments.
| name | analyzing-ios-app-security-with-objection |
| description | Runtime iOS app security testing with Objection (Frida): inspect keychain and filesystem data, explore app internals at runtime, and validate/bypass client-side protections during authorized mobile assessments. |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | mobile-security |
| author | mahipal |
| tags | ["mobile-security","ios","objection","frida","owasp-mobile","penetration-testing"] |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| atlas_techniques | ["AML.T0054"] |
| nist_ai_rmf | ["MEASURE-2.7","MANAGE-2.4","GOVERN-6.2","MAP-5.1"] |
| nist_csf | ["PR.PS-01","PR.AA-05","ID.RA-01","DE.CM-09"] |
Use this skill when:
Do not use this skill on production devices without explicit authorization -- Objection modifies app runtime behavior and may trigger security monitoring.
pip install objectionpip install frida-toolsobjection patchipa to inject Frida gadget into IPAFor jailbroken devices:
# Install Frida server on device via Cydia/Sileo
# SSH to device and start Frida server
ssh root@<device_ip> "/usr/sbin/frida-server -D"
# Verify Frida connectivity
frida-ps -U # List processes on USB-connected device
For non-jailbroken devices (authorized testing):
# Patch IPA with Frida gadget
objection patchipa --source target.ipa --codesign-signature "Apple Development: test@example.com"
# Install patched IPA
ideviceinstaller -i target-patched.ipa
# Attach to running app by bundle ID
objection --gadget "com.target.app" explore
# Or spawn the app fresh
objection --gadget "com.target.app" explore --startup-command "ios hooking list classes"
Once attached, Objection provides an interactive REPL for runtime exploration.
# Dump iOS Keychain items accessible to the app
ios keychain dump
# List files in app sandbox
ios plist cat Info.plist
env # Show app environment paths
# Inspect NSUserDefaults for sensitive data
ios nsuserdefaults get
# List SQLite databases
sqlite connect app_data.db
sqlite execute query "SELECT * FROM credentials"
# Check for sensitive data in pasteboard
ios pasteboard monitor
# Disable SSL/TLS certificate pinning
ios sslpinning disable
# Verify pinning is bypassed by observing traffic in Burp Suite proxy
# Monitor network-related class method calls
ios hooking watch class NSURLSession
ios hooking watch class NSURLConnection
# List all Objective-C classes
ios hooking list classes
# Search for authentication-related classes
ios hooking search classes Auth
ios hooking search classes Login
ios hooking search classes Token
# Hook authentication methods to observe parameters
ios hooking watch method "+[AuthManager validateToken:]" --dump-args --dump-return
# Monitor biometric authentication calls
ios hooking watch class LAContext
# Check jailbreak detection implementation
ios jailbreak disable
# Simulate jailbreak detection bypass
ios jailbreak simulate
# List loaded frameworks and libraries
memory list modules
# Search memory for sensitive strings
memory search "password" --string
memory search "api_key" --string
memory search "Bearer" --string
# Dump specific memory regions
memory dump all dump_output/
# List URL schemes registered by the app
ios info binary
ios bundles list_frameworks
# Hook URL scheme handlers
ios hooking watch method "-[AppDelegate application:openURL:options:]" --dump-args
# Monitor clipboard access
ios pasteboard monitor
# Check for custom keyboard restrictions
ios hooking search classes UITextField
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Objection | Runtime mobile exploration toolkit built on Frida that provides pre-built scripts for common security testing tasks |
| Frida Gadget | Shared library injected into app process to enable Frida instrumentation without jailbreak |
| Keychain | iOS secure credential storage system; Objection can dump items accessible to the target app's keychain access group |
| SSL Pinning Bypass | Runtime modification of certificate validation logic to allow proxy interception of HTTPS traffic |
| Method Hooking | Intercepting Objective-C/Swift method calls at runtime to observe arguments, return values, and modify behavior |
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