Mob SF
Mobile Security Framework - automated all-in-one mobile app penetration testing and malware analysis.
External Tool
This open-source tool is maintained externally. View the source on GitHub to learn more or run it yourself.
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Use it free
Open the official tool or demo — no account needed.
Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Mob SF?
MobSF (Mobile Security Framework) is an open-source tool designed to automate security assessments for mobile applications across Android, iOS, and Windows platforms. It combines static and dynamic analysis to identify vulnerabilities, malware, and privacy risks in mobile apps. Security researchers, penetration testers, and DevOps teams use MobSF to streamline security testing, ensuring applications meet compliance standards and are resilient to attacks. The tool addresses the growing complexity of mobile app security by providing a centralized platform for threat detection, reducing manual effort and accelerating the identification of critical issues such as insecure data storage, network leaks, and code-level vulnerabilities. MobSF’s primary purpose is to bridge the gap between manual security testing and automated analysis, offering a scalable solution for both individual developers and enterprise workflows. By integrating with CI/CD pipelines via REST APIs and CLI tools, it enables continuous security checks during development. Its static analysis module supports APK, IPA, APPX files, and source code, while dynamic analysis captures runtime behavior, network traffic, and API interactions. This dual approach ensures comprehensive coverage of potential attack vectors, making MobSF a critical tool for securing mobile applications in an increasingly connected world.
How it works
MobSF is an automated security framework that performs static and dynamic analysis on mobile applications to detect vulnerabilities, malware, and privacy risks. It serves as a centralized platform for security researchers and developers to evaluate app safety without requiring deep technical expertise. The tool’s purpose is to simplify the complex process of mobile app security testing by combining multiple analysis techniques into a single interface. It helps organizations identify and mitigate risks early in the development lifecycle, aligning with DevSecOps principles. MobSF’s static analyzer supports APK, IPA, APPX files, and source code, scanning for issues like hardcoded credentials, insecure APIs, and permission misconfigurations. Its dynamic analyzer monitors Android and iOS apps in real-time, capturing network traffic, runtime data, and instrumentation logs to detect runtime vulnerabilities.
How to use it
- 1Download MobSF from its GitHub repository and set up the environment using Docker or a virtual machine. 2. Upload the target APK, IPA, or APPX file via the web interface or CLI. 3. Select analysis types (static, dynamic, or both) and initiate the scan. 4. Review the generated report, which includes vulnerabilities, malware indicators, and security recommendations. Practical tips: Use the CLI for automation in CI/CD pipelines. For dynamic analysis, ensure the device is connected via ADB for Android or Xcode for iOS. Regularly update MobSF to leverage the latest threat intelligence databases.
What it can do
- mobile security framework
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/MobSF/Mobile-Security-Framework-MobSF
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Limited support for newer iOS versions due to restricted device access
- Dynamic analysis requires physical devices or emulators, which may not replicate real-world conditions
- Dependence on third-party tools like Frida or Burp Suite for advanced analysis
- Resource-intensive scans may impact performance on low-end hardware
- No real-time monitoring capabilities for live app environments
Understanding the result
Mobile Security Framework - automated all-in-one mobile app penetration testing and malware analysis.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (MobSF/Mobile-Security-Framework-MobSF)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with MobSF/Mobile-Security-Framework-MobSF. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What types of mobile apps does MobSF support?
MobSF supports Android (APK files), iOS (IPA files), and Windows Mobile (APPX files). It can analyze both native and hybrid applications, including those built with frameworks like Flutter or React Native. The tool also accepts source code for static analysis, enabling developers to check for security flaws during the coding phase.
How does MobSF perform dynamic analysis on mobile apps?
MobSF’s dynamic analysis module uses instrumentation to monitor app behavior in real-time. For Android, it leverages the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to intercept network traffic, system calls, and inter-process communication. For iOS, it integrates with Xcode for similar monitoring. This allows the tool to detect runtime vulnerabilities such as insecure API calls, data leaks, and unexpected resource usage.
How can I automate MobSF scans in my CI/CD pipeline?
To automate MobSF scans, use the CLI tool to trigger analyses via script. For example, upload an APK file using the command `mobsf -f app.apk -t static` for static analysis. Integrate this into your CI/CD workflow by configuring it to run after code commits. MobSF’s REST API also allows programmatic interaction, enabling custom reporting and threshold-based alerts for critical vulnerabilities.
How does MobSF compare to tools like Burp Suite or OWASP Mobile Security Guide?
MobSF is a specialized mobile security framework that combines static and dynamic analysis, whereas Burp Suite focuses on web application testing with limited mobile-specific features. The OWASP Mobile Security Guide provides best practices but lacks automation. MobSF’s advantage lies in its all-in-one approach, while Burp Suite excels in web-based vulnerabilities. For Windows Mobile, MobSF is more comprehensive than alternatives like ADB-based tools.
What should I do if MobSF fails to analyze an APK file?
If MobSF encounters an error, check that the APK is not corrupted and is compatible with the tool’s supported formats. Ensure all dependencies (e.g., Python libraries) are up to date. For dynamic analysis, verify that the device is properly connected via ADB. If issues persist, consult the MobSF GitHub repository’s issue tracker for troubleshooting guidance or community support.