In 2024, Android penetration testing remains crucial for ensuring the security of mobile devices, which are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks. As Android continues to dominate the mobile market, it is vital for individuals and organizations to proactively test their devices for vulnerabilities. By using specialized Android pentesting toolssecurity professionals can identify and mitigate potential threats before malicious actors exploit them. This article highlights 13 must-have Android pentesting tools that are essential for maintaining robust mobile security and defending against evolving cyber threats.

1.  MobSF: The Mobile Security Framework (MobSF) is a comprehensive pentesting tool designed for both Android and iOS. MobSF offers both static and dynamic analysis of mobile applications, making it a go-to tool for mobile security testing. Its ability to scan APK files and perform malware analysis enables security professionals to detect vulnerabilities quickly.
2. Drozer: Drozer, developed by MWR Labs, is an Android security framework that allows for detailed interaction with the Dalvik Virtual Machine (VM) and other IPC endpoints. It offers in-depth access to system files and applications, making it a key tool for vulnerability detection.
3. LSPatch:LSPatch is a rootless implementation of the LSPosed framework, which enables users to install Xposed modules on non-rooted Android devices. This tool allows the execution of modules that do not require root access, making it a useful resource in Android pentesting scenarios where rooting is not an option.
4. FridaLoader:FridaLoader simplifies the process of installing and launching Frida Server on Android devices. By automatically downloading the appropriate server version for the device architecture, this tool eliminates manual effort, streamlining the pentesting process.
5. Objection:Objection is a powerful toolkit, leveraging the Frida framework to perform a wide range of security assessments on Android devices. It allows testers to bypass root detection, monitor clipboard activity, and hook into specific methods during runtime—all without requiring a rooted device.
6. Android Proxy Toggle: Instead of manually toggling the proxy settings from the Wi-Fi menu during a pentest, Android Proxy Toggle provides a quick solution. This utility adds a tile to the quick settings menu, allowing you to turn the proxy on or off effortlessly during tests.
7. JD-GUI: JD-GUI is a graphical tool that decompiles Java class files into human-readable source code. This utility is highly effective in analyzing APK files during static analysis, giving pentesters insight into an application’s internal workings.
8. Applist Detector: Applist Detector helps identify the specific client-side detection mechanisms being triggered by an app during a pentest. It allows testers to determine why an app might refuse to run, providing essential information for bypassing root detection or other security measures.
9. AttestationSpoofer:This Xposed module bypasses the “Bootloader Unlocked” check used by some banking applications. Although still relatively new, AttestationSpoofer enables testers to spoof bootloader status and test app behavior under more realistic conditions.
10. Movecert: Movecert is an essential tool for transferring certificates from the user certificate store to the system store. This functionality is critical when a pentester needs to install trusted certificates on a device to test SSL pinning and other security features.
11. d2j-dex2jar:This tool allows for the conversion of .dex files (Dalvik Executable) into .jar files, which can then be decompiled for further analysis. The ability to reverse engineer an Android app’s code is invaluable during a pentesting engagement.
12. Momo: Momo is a detection application designed to pinpoint specific checks that are failing on a testing device. This tool is especially helpful when an app refuses to run due to unaddressed security restrictions, offering insights into which measures need to be bypassed.
13. ADB (Android Debug Bridge): ADB remains one of the most versatile Android tools available. It allows users to communicate with their Android devices via a command-line interface, supporting actions such as debugging, pushing and pulling files, and even application installation—all of which are crucial during a pentest. 

To Sum Up

With these 13 must-have Android pentesting tools, you can ensure that your Android device is fortified against vulnerabilities and potential cyberattacks. Whether you’re analyzing an app’s behavior, bypassing security checks, or performing static and dynamic testing, these tools provide the functionality needed to carry out effective mobile security testing in 2024. Stay ahead of cyber threats and safeguard your mobile environment by incorporating these essential resources into your pentesting toolkit.