Q-mast – Automated Mobile App Security Testing (MAST)
Q-mast is Quokka’s automated mobile application security testing solution. It performs comprehensive analysis on iOS and Android apps—without requiring source code—to uncover real security, privacy, and compliance risks.
Why Mobile App Security Testing Matters
Developers need a way to add security to the SDLC process without slowing down releases
Breaches often stem from predictable issues, such as coding mistakes, misconfigurations, weak crypto, and risky third-party components
Distributed development teams, including remote workers and third-party developers, leads to inconsistent security standards
How Q-mast Works
Q-mast performs full-spectrum testing — regardless of in-app or run-time obfuscation — to deliver comprehensive coverage across security, privacy, and compliance dimensions in minutes.
Key Outcomes
Analysis of compiled app binary, regardless of in-app or run-time obfuscations
Flags security, privacy, and compliance risks
Scans in <60 minutes, no source code needed
<1% false results
Reduce friction between developers and security for faster releases
Core Capabilities
Comprehensive Analysis
Q-mast uses different analysis types that work together, including static, dynamic, and forced-path execution, to uncover hidden risks such as supply-chain risks and embedded malicious behavior.
Static analysis (SAST): Detects insecure patterns, hardcoded secrets, weak crypto, and misconfigurations.
Dynamic analysis (DAST): Observes real behavior on non-rooted, non-jailbroken devices.
Interactive analysis (IAST): Links runtime execution paths to specific flows and behaviors.
Forced-path execution (FPE): Exercises scripted, repeatable flows—including rare edge cases.
Binary-First Testing (No Source Code Required)
Analyzes compiled binaries even when obfuscated
Supports modern iOS and Android versions
Scans protected and signed builds
Software Supply Chain & SBOM Visibility
Generates version-precise SBOMs
Analyzes SDK behavior, not just CVE lookups
Identifies vulnerable components and dependencies
Detects risky third-party code
Aligned with Industry Standards
Checks against privacy & security standards from NIAP, NIST, OWASP MASVS, CVEs, and SARIFReveals whether apps or embedded SDKs are sending user or corporate data offshore or communicating with unknown external servers.
Maps findings directly to relevant controls
Helps organizations minimize compliance risks
Integrated into Development Workflows
CI/CD integrations with GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, and Azure DevOps
DevSecOps connections with Appium and Snyk
Workflow integrations enable security without slowing down development
Learn about Q-mast integrations
Why Organizations Choose Q-mast
Key Capability
Q-mast
Other solutions
Dynamic Behavior Analysis
Q-mast
Full dynamic testing on real devices, non-jailbroken or rooted devices — reveals true app behavior
Other solutions
Partial dynamic testing, emulator-dependent
Pre-deployment behavior analysis
Q-mast
Fully supported
Other solutions
Not supported
App Simulation
Q-mast
Simulated flows on purpose built emulators
Other solutions
Limited to flows observed in dynamic
Mobile Supply Chain Risk Assessment
Q-mast
Full SBOM + SDK behavior analysis, nested dependency
Other solutions
CVE lookup only
AI/SDK Exposure & Data Risk Detection
Q-mast
Detects hidden AI/SDKs, outbound data flows, privacy violations
Other solutions
Static pattern-based — behaviorally active risks missed
Post-Deployment Risk Validation
Q-mast
Continuous production app testing and monitoring with “App Watch List”— directly from app stores, no user device agents required
Other solutions
Requires runtime agents limited to global stores or SDK integration for production insights
CI/CD & DevSecOps Integration
Q-mast
GitHub, API, scalable into development pipelines, GRC support
Other solutions
Partial support, limited flexibility
Audit-Ready Compliance Mapping
Q-mast
OWASP MASVS, NIAP, GDPR aligned reports
Other solutions
Basic references only — manual audit burden
iOS App Support
Q-mast
Supports builds to latest OS versions
Other solutions
Limited to flows observed in dynamic
Obfuscated / protected app support
Q-mast
Full (including signed iOS builds)
Other solutions
Limited to flows observed in dynamic
Contact us to get a personalized demo and learn more about Quokka.
FAQs
Do I need mobile app security testing if we already perform Pen Testing?
Pen testing simulates real-world cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in code, infrastructure, and logic that might go unnoticed during regular development and Q&A. It involves skilled security professionals actively trying to exploit weaknesses in the app’s code, infrastructure, and logic. Using this method helps organizations prioritize fixes based on real-world risks, rather than theoretical threats.
Automated MAST, like Q-mast, is a more comprehensive approach that encompasses a range of techniques to analyze mobile apps for security flaws. It involves both static and dynamic analysis to identify vulnerabilities in the app’s code, dependencies, and runtime behavior. From code to supply chain, it performs comprehensive testing to pinpoint vulnerabilities early and ensure secure app releases from the start. Unlike pen testing, MAST is used continuously throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and identifies both security and privacy concerns.
Pen testing is not a replacement for MAST but rather a complementary approach. Combining MAST and pen testing is a strategic investment in risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and customer trust. This integrated approach not only strengthens your mobile app’s security posture, but also delivers tangible benefits that align with broader business goals. Read more in our Strengthening Mobile Security: The Power of Combining Pen Testing and Mobile Application Security Testing blog post.
Does Q-mast require source code, or can it scan compiled apps (binaries)?
Q-mast scans compiled app binary, regardless of in-app or run-time obfuscations — no source code needed.
What security standards does Q-mast align with? (e.g., OWASP MASVS, NIAP, NIST)
Q-mast checks against privacy & security standards from NIAP, NIST, OWASP MASVS, CVEs, and SARIF. In fact, Quokka (then Kryptowire) contributed to setting NIAP requirements for testing mobile apps. Read more about how Quokka contributed to NIAP and how Quokka aligns with the OWASP Mobile Top 10.
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