7 Best iOS Pentesting Tools to Detect Vulnerabilities

According to Surfshark‘s recent research, the second quarter of 2023 witnessed 110.8 million compromised accounts globally. Moreover, there have been 161 iOS vulnerabilities in 2023 so far.

In 2022 alone, 242 vulnerabilities were discovered in iOS and were made public. Thus, At the current rate, the influx of iOS security vulnerabilities in 2023 is on track to surpass the count from the previous year.

By employing effective iOS pentesting tools, you can identify vulnerabilities and fortify your applications against potential exploits.

In this article, we will explore the 7 best iOS pentesting tools that can help you detect and address security weaknesses effectively.

Top 7 iOS Penetration Testing Tools in 2024

1. Astra Pentest
2. Metasploit
3. Nmap
4. Nikto
5. W3AF
6. SQLMap
7. OWASP Zed

Why is Astra Vulnerability Scanner the Best Scanner?

• We’re the only company that combines automated & manual pentest to create a one-of-a-kind pentest platform.
• Vetted scans ensure zero false positives.
• Our intelligent vulnerability scanner emulates hacker behavior & evolves with every pentest.
• Astra’s scanner helps you shift left by integrating with your CI/CD.
• Our platform helps you uncover, manage & fix vulnerabilities in one place.
• Trusted by the brands you trust like Agora, Spicejet, Muthoot, Dream11, etc.

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Common Types of Vulnerabilities in iOS Applications

Top 7 iOS Penetration Testing Tools in 2024

Here are the top 7 iOS pentesting tools in 2024 that will help you detect vulnerabilities and fortify your app’s security.

1. Astra iOS Pentesting Tool

Astra is one of the leading comprehensive iOS pentesting tools that excels in identifying vulnerabilities in web and mobile applications, as well as cloud infrastructure. Its intuitive scanner, coupled with manual pentesting capabilities, ensures exhaustive vulnerability detection with zero false positives. The tool also offers round-the-clock remediation assistance, detailed vulnerability reports, and compliance support with major security standards.

• Scanner Capacity: Web and Mobile Applications, Cloud Infrastructure.
• Manual Pentest: Yes
• Accuracy: Zero False Positives Assured (Vetted Scans)
• Vulnerability Management: Remediation Assistance, Detailed Reports
• Compliance: GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2

Astra Key Features

Let’s take a closer look at the unique features of the Astra pentest tool that make it stand out among other penetration testing tools.

A. Comprehensive Testing

It’s intelligent scanner ensures thorough testing of your web app and identifies vulnerabilities and any possible loopholes, by scanning your digital assets with 9300+ tests.

B. Continuous Scanning

It’s continuous scanner allows you to stay one step ahead of potential threats by regularly monitoring your iOS app for new vulnerabilities.

C. Vulnerability Management

With Astra, you receive detailed reports and actionable steps to patch every issue efficiently. You can collaborate seamlessly with your team members and security experts from the user-friendly dashboard.

D. Compliance Readiness

It covers all essential tests required for ISO 27001, HIPAA, SOC2, and GDPR compliance, allowing you to secure your systems thoroughly and build trust with customers and partners.

E. Support from Experts

It provides quick and reliable human support directly within your dashboard, ensuring that you receive expert assistance in resolving vulnerabilities effectively.

Pros of Astra Pentest Tool

• Effective scanning capabilities for both web and mobile applications.
• High accuracy with zero false positives, saving time and effort.
• Remediation assistance and detailed reports for efficient vulnerability management.
• Compliance with various industry standards, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Cost-effective pricing plans are suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Cons of Astra Pentest Tool

• Limited free trial options may restrict initial exploration for some users.

Verdict: Astra Pentest stands out among its competitors with its comprehensive testing capabilities, continuous scanning, compliance readiness, and expert support. The user-friendly dashboard and industry-recognized certificate make it a preferred choice for businesses looking to strengthen their iOS app security.

2. Metasploit iOS Pentesting Software

Metasploit is a powerful and widely-used penetration testing tool that offers a range of exploits, payloads, and auxiliary modules. With its open-source availability and extensive library of exploits, Metasploit caters to both security professionals and hackers alike. Thus, it is a valuable tool for anyone seeking an easy-to-install and reliable solution to perform security assessments on various platforms and applications.

• Supported Platforms: iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS
• Exploit Framework: Yes
• Post-Exploitation Modules: Yes
• Payload Generator: Yes
• Price: Free (Community Edition), Commercial License Available

Metasploit Key Features

The following are the extraordinary features of the Metasploit pentest tool that elevate it above other iOS pentesting tools.

A. Exploit Library

It boasts a vast collection of over 1677 exploits organized across 25 platforms, including Android, PHP, Python, Java, and Cisco, among others.

B. Payload Options

It provides nearly 500 payloads, including command shell payloads, dynamic payloads for evading antivirus software, Meterpreter payloads for advanced control and session manipulation, and many more.

C. User-Friendly Interfaces

The framework offers multiple interfaces for different user preferences, including the MSFconsole interactive curses interface and the Metasploit Community Web Interface for remote pen testing.

D. Information Gathering

It assists in the information-gathering phase of penetration testing by enabling port scans, OS fingerprinting, and vulnerability scanning.

Pros of Metasploit Pentest Software

• Extensive exploit development capabilities for in-depth testing.
• Automation features reduce manual effort and accelerate the testing process.
• Comprehensive reporting enables effortless interpretation and prioritization of vulnerabilities.
• Integration with various third-party tools enhances overall testing efficiency.
• Active community support ensures access to valuable resources and knowledge.

Cons of Metasploit Pentest Software

• Requires some technical knowledge to utilize its capabilities fully
• Limited support for iOS-specific vulnerabilities

Verdict: Metasploit is a powerful and popular pentesting tool known for its extensive exploit modules and post-exploitation capabilities. While it’s primary focus may not be iOS app security, it provides a comprehensive set of features for conducting penetration tests and vulnerability assessments.

3. Nmap Penetration Testing Tool

Nmap (Network Mapper) is a popular and powerful open-source network scanning tool that plays a vital role in penetration testing and network security assessments. It is designed to discover hosts, services, and vulnerabilities on computer networks, providing valuable insights into the security posture of the target infrastructure. Moreover, Nmap’s flexibility, efficiency, and extensive features make it a favorite among security professionals.

• Network Scanning: Yes
• Port Scanning: Yes
• Service Version Detection: Yes
• Scripting Engine: Yes
• Price: Free and Open Source

Nmap Key Features

Below are the exceptional features of the Nmap pentest tool that make it the go-to solution for effective penetration testing.

A. Host Discovery

It can efficiently identify live hosts on a network, allowing testers to focus on active systems for further assessment.

B. Port Scanning

It performs thorough port scans to identify open ports on target hosts to identify the services running on them, providing essential information about potential entry points.

C. OS Fingerprinting

It can determine the operating system of the target device by analyzing network responses, aiding in the understanding of the network’s infrastructure.

D. Vulnerability Scanning

Although Nmap does not perform extensive vulnerability scans, it can identify open ports and services that may be susceptible to known vulnerabilities, helping security professionals narrow their focus for further investigation.

E. Scriptable Interaction

Its scripting engine allows users to create custom scripts and plugins to automate tasks, enhance scanning capabilities, and gather specific information during network assessments.

Pros of Nmap Penetration Testing Tool

• A wide range of scanning techniques provides comprehensive testing capabilities.
• Custom scripting using NSE enables tailored testing and exploration.
• Integration with other security tools enhances the overall effectiveness of testing.
• Extensive online documentation and community resources facilitate learning and support.
• Its free and open-source nature makes it accessible to organizations of all sizes.

Cons of Nmap Penetration Testing Tool

• Limited exploitation and post-exploitation features
• Requires familiarity with a command-line interface (CLI)

Verdict: Nmap is one of the most versatile and widely-used iOS pentesting tools that provides essential network scanning and reconnaissance capabilities. While it may not have advanced exploitation features, it is an excellent choice for initial discovery and vulnerability scanning in iOS app security assessments.

4. Nikto iOS App Pentesting Tool

Nikto penetration testing software is an open-source web server scanner designed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications. It performs several comprehensive scans – checking for SSL/TLS vulnerabilities and common misconfigurations. Additionally, Nikto’s extensive database of known vulnerabilities and its ability to detect server-side issues make it one of the most valuable iOS pentesting tools.

• Web Server Scanning: Yes
• SSL/TLS Vulnerability Detection: Yes
• CGI Scanning: Yes
• Outdated Software Detection: Yes
• Price: Free and Open Source

Nikto Key Features

The following are the standout features of the Nikto pentest tool that make it one of the top choices for comprehensive penetration testing.

A. Web Server Scanning

It excels in scanning web servers to identify potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.

B. Common CGI Vulnerabilities

The tool is adept at identifying common CGI vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.

C. Outdated Software Scanning

Nikto identifies outdated software versions on your web servers, helping you address known vulnerabilities promptly.

D. SSL/TLS Issues

The tool checks for SSL/TLS configuration weaknesses, ensuring secure connections.

E. Detailed Reports

It generates detailed reports that aid in vulnerability remediation.

Pros of Nikto iOS Pentesting Tool

• Specialized web server scanning capabilities focus on identifying iOS application vulnerabilities.
• Testing techniques target common vulnerabilities, increasing the chances of detection.
• Detailed scan reports aid in understanding and prioritizing identified vulnerabilities.
• Command-line integration facilitates integration with other iOS pentesting tools and workflows.
• Community support ensures access to guidance and expertise.

Cons of Nikto iOS Pentesting Tool

• Lack of a graphical user interface may require familiarity with command-line interfaces.
• Limited advanced features compared to commercial alternatives.

Verdict: Nikto is a valuable tool for identifying web server vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. It complements other iOS pentesting tools by focusing on specific aspects of app security. While it may not provide comprehensive coverage, it is a useful addition to your broader security testing arsenal.

5. W3AF iOS App Pentesting Tool

W3AF penetration testing tool is an open-source framework for testing web applications. It offers a wide range of scanning capabilities, including vulnerability detection, web spidering, and exploitation of identified issues. In addition, W3AF’s modular architecture allows for flexibility and customization, making it suitable for various iOS app testing scenarios.

• Web Application Scanning: Yes
• Vulnerability Detection: Yes
• Exploit and Payload Modules: Yes
• Web Spidering: Yes
• Price: Free and Open Source

W3AF Key Features

Below are the unique features of the W3AF pentest tool that make it a frontrunner among iOS app pentesting tools.

A. Website Application Scanning

It excels in scanning web applications for vulnerabilities and weaknesses that can be exploited by attackers.

B. OWASP Top 10

The tool covers the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and more, ensuring that you address critical security risks.

C. Customized Vulnerability Scanning

It allows customization of the scanning process to match specific requirements and target areas of concern within the iOS app.

D. Exploitation Framework

In addition to scanning, W3AF provides an exploitation framework that enables testers to validate and exploit identified vulnerabilities.

E. Reporting and Remediation

The tool generates detailed reports that highlight vulnerabilities and provide actionable steps to remediate them effectively.

Pros of W3AF iOS App Pentesting Tool

• Dedicated web application scanning features cater to iOS application vulnerabilities.
• Authentication support enables testing of secured areas within iOS applications.
• Comprehensive vulnerability analysis aids in identifying potential weaknesses.
• Integration capabilities promote efficient collaboration with other security tools.
• Community support offers valuable guidance and assistance.

Cons of W3AF iOS App Pentesting Tool

• Limited coverage beyond web application security
• Complex configuration and usage may require technical expertise

Verdict: W3AF is one of the most powerful iOS pentesting tools focused on web application security testing– making it a valuable asset for assessing the security of iOS web applications. Its customization options and exploitation framework provide flexibility and depth in vulnerability scanning and exploitation.

6. SQLMap iOS Pentesting Testing Tool

The SQLMap penetration testing tool is a specialized software designed to identify and exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications and databases. It is an essential component of any comprehensive iOS app security assessment, particularly for applications that interact with databases. The tool’s focus on SQL injection vulnerabilities makes it one of the top iOS pentesting tools.

• SQL Injection Testing: Yes
• Blind SQL Injection Testing: Yes
• Automated Exploitation: Yes
• Manual Exploitation: Yes
• Price: Varies (Several commercial and open-source options available)

SQLMap Key Features

Let’s explore the exceptional features of the SQLMap pentest tool that set it apart from other iOS pentesting tools.

A. SQL Injection Testing

The tool performs comprehensive SQL injection testing to identify vulnerabilities where attackers can manipulate database queries to gain unauthorized access or extract sensitive data.

B. Database Fingerprinting

It can determine the type and version of the database server, which helps in tailoring attacks and identifying specific vulnerabilities.

C. Data Extraction

In cases where SQL injection vulnerabilities are present, the tool can extract sensitive information from the database, highlighting the severity of the issue.

D. Bruteforce Attacks

The tool can also test weak credentials through brute force techniques, revealing potential access points for attackers.

E. Advanced SQL Exploitation

It enables security professionals to execute advanced SQL queries to simulate targeted attacks and understand the extent of potential damage.

Pros of SQLMap iOS App Pentesting Tool

• Specialized SQL injection testing features focus on database vulnerabilities.
• Compatibility with multiple databases ensures widespread usage.
• Detailed reports facilitate effective vulnerability management.
• Exploitation modules aid in validating vulnerabilities.
• Community support offers valuable guidance and assistance.

Cons of SQLMap App iOS Pentesting Tool

• May require familiarity with SQL and database concepts for optimal utilization.
• The user interface may be less intuitive compared to commercial alternatives.

Verdict: The SQLMap Penetration Testing Tool is an essential component of any iOS app security assessment, especially when dealing with applications that interact with databases. Its specialized focus on SQL injection vulnerabilities and advanced exploitation techniques make it a valuable asset for identifying and remediating database-related security issues.

7. OWASP Zed iOS Pentesting Tool

OWASP Zed is a powerful penetration testing tool specifically designed for assessing the security of web applications. It focuses on identifying common security issues, particularly those listed in the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities. With its automated scanning capabilities and advanced features, OWASP Zed provides comprehensive testing and helps organizations improve the security posture of their iOS applications.

• Web Application Scanning: Yes
• Vulnerability Detection: Yes
• Exploit and Payload Modules: Yes
• Reporting: Yes
• Price: Free and Open Source

OWASP Key Features

The following are the remarkable features of the OWASP pentest tool that distinguish it from other iOS pentesting tools.

A. Automated Scanning

It offers automated scanning features to detect and analyze vulnerabilities in web applications. It performs a thorough examination of the target application, searching for common security weaknesses.

B. OWASP Top 10 Coverage

The tool emphasizes the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, which include issues of injection attacks, cross-site scripting (XSS), insecure direct object references, and many more. By focusing on these critical vulnerabilities, OWASP Zed helps prioritize remediation efforts.

C. Fuzzer

It includes a fuzzing feature that tests for injection vulnerabilities, XSS, and other security weaknesses. It systematically injects various payloads to identify potential vulnerabilities and aid in vulnerability exploitation.

D. Traffic Interceptor

With the traffic interceptor capability, OWASP Zed allows users to intercept and modify HTTP/HTTPS traffic. This feature enables security professionals to manipulate requests and responses, test input validation, and assess the application’s security mechanisms.

E. Authentication and Session Testing

It provides features to assess the security of authentication and session management. It helps identify weaknesses in login mechanisms, password policies, session handling, and other related areas.

Pros of OWASP Zed Penetration Testing Tool

• Specialized web application scanning features concentrate on common vulnerabilities.
• Testing techniques aligned with the OWASP Top 10 provide robust coverage.
• Detailed reports aid in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities effectively.
• Integration capabilities enhance overall efficiency and collaboration.
• Active community support ensures access to valuable guidance and expertise.

Cons of OWASP Zed Penetration Testing Tool

• Limited coverage beyond web application security
• Requires additional tools for in-depth testing and exploitation

Verdict: OWASP Zed is a comprehensive web application security testing tool that focuses on the most critical vulnerabilities. It offers an array of automated scanning capabilities and is actively maintained by the security community. When combined with other iOS pentesting tools, it provides a solid foundation for assessing the security of iOS web applications.

iOS Pentesting Tools at a Glance

Bottom Line

Choosing the right iOS pentesting tools is crucial for protecting your web resources from potential vulnerabilities and attacks. Each tool mentioned in this article offers unique features and capabilities, catering to different aspects of iOS app security. We suggest combining multiple tools and leveraging their strengths to create a robust security testing framework that helps identify and address vulnerabilities effectively.

Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and regular security assessments and pentesting are essential to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of your iOS applications. If you need assistance or want to explore how Astra can streamline your iOS pentesting efforts, get in touch with our experts.

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