Static Analysis of iOS App Store Binaries: Common Vulnerabilities

The post highlights recurring security issues in iOS App Store binaries, including hardcoded secrets (API keys, tokens, backend URLs), insecure local data storage (UserDefaults, unprotected Core Data, plist files), and weak encryption (ECB mode, hardcoded IVs, predictable key derivation). Network-layer vulnerabilities such as disabled ATS exceptions, bypassable certificate pinning, and mixed HTTP/HTTPS endpoints are also common. The analysis relies on static methods like IPA unpacking, string extraction, and Mach-O binary inspection, often revealing flaws without runtime execution. The author uses automated tooling for triage across 47 check categories.