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MobSF

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Forensics · Intermediate · Forensics lane

IntermediateMobile Analysis
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is MobSF?

MobSF automates static/dynamic analysis of mobile apps (APK/IPA).

Mobile AppSec testing on apps you are allowed to assess.

Official website: MobSF · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Automated static/dynamic mobile app analysis.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for MobSF.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • Security practitioners
  • Students in authorized labs
  • Engineers validating their own systems

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install MobSF using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Docs

    https://mobsf.github.io/docs/

Kali Linux

Often Docker: opensecurity/mobile-security-framework-mobsf

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxOften Docker: opensecurity/mobile-security-framework-mobsf
OfficialSee official docs: https://mobsf.github.io/docs/

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    docker run -p 8000:8000 opensecurity/mobile-security-framework-mobsf

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    docker --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    docker -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--help / -hList all options

5. Useful features

  • Core workflow and interface
  • Reading and interpreting output
  • Key configuration options
  • Integrating into a professional workflow

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    docker run -p 8000:8000 opensecurity/mobile-security-framework-mobsf

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    docker --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    docker -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • MobSF is used by professionals for legitimate defense, testing and research.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: digital forensics incident response · Commands: /commands