// 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.
Queries Azure Monitor activity logs and sign-in logs via azure-monitor-query to detect suspicious administrative operations, impossible travel, privilege escalation, and resource modifications. Builds KQL queries for threat hunting in Azure environments. Use when investigating suspicious Azure tenant activity or building cloud SIEM detections.
Performs Linux memory acquisition using LiME (Linux Memory Extractor) kernel module and analysis with Volatility 3 framework. Extracts process lists, network connections, bash history, loaded kernel modules, and injected code from Linux memory images. Use when performing incident response on compromised Linux systems.
Parse Windows PowerShell Script Block Logs (Event ID 4104) from EVTX files to detect obfuscated commands, encoded payloads, and living-off-the-land techniques. Uses python-evtx to extract and reconstruct multi-block scripts, applies entropy analysis and pattern matching for Base64-encoded commands, Invoke-Expression abuse, download cradles, and AMSI bypass attempts.
Create forensically sound bit-for-bit disk images using dd and dcfldd while preserving evidence integrity through hash verification.
Detect dangerous ACL misconfigurations in Active Directory using ldap3 to identify GenericAll, WriteDACL, and WriteOwner abuse paths
Perform static analysis of Android APK malware samples using apktool for decompilation, jadx for Java source recovery, and androguard for permission analysis, manifest inspection, and suspicious API call detection.
| 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 |
--startup-command to hook anti-Frida checks early in the app lifecycle.ios hooking list classes with grep to find demangled names.