Q-mast Automated Mobile App Security Testing (MAST) Tool | Quokka
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 SARIF.
- 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.
Why Organizations Choose Q-mast
Key Capability
| Capability | Q-mast | Other solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Behavior Analysis | Full dynamic testing on real devices, non-jailbroken or rooted devices — reveals true app behavior | Partial dynamic testing, emulator-dependent |
| Pre-deployment behavior analysis | Fully supported | Not supported |
| App Simulation | Simulated flows on purpose built emulators | Limited to flows observed in dynamic |
| Mobile Supply Chain Risk Assessment | Full SBOM + SDK behavior analysis, nested dependency | CVE lookup only |
| AI/SDK Exposure & Data Risk Detection | Detects hidden AI/SDKs, outbound data flows, privacy violations | Static pattern-based — behaviorally active risks missed |
| Post-Deployment Risk Validation | Continuous production app testing and monitoring with “App Watch List”— directly from app stores, no user device agents required | Requires runtime agents limited to global stores or SDK integration for production insights |
| CI/CD & DevSecOps Integration | GitHub, API, scalable into development pipelines, GRC support | Partial support, limited flexibility |
| Audit-Ready Compliance Mapping | OWASP MASVS, NIAP, GDPR aligned reports | Basic references only — manual audit burden |
| iOS App Support | Supports builds to latest OS versions | Limited to flows observed in dynamic |
| Obfuscated / protected app support | Full (including signed iOS builds) | Limited to flows observed in dynamic |
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. Automated MAST, like Q-mast, is a comprehensive approach that combines static and dynamic analysis to identify vulnerabilities early and ensure secure app releases. Combining MAST and pen testing is a strategic investment in risk mitigation and operational efficiency.
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?
Q-mast checks against privacy & security standards from NIAP, NIST, OWASP MASVS, CVEs, and SARIF.