Android and iOS

Semgrep for mobile source-code security

Code scanning, dependencies, Python tools and build automation.

Secure development tools1 min readEditorial methods

Semgrep can identify selected security patterns in mobile source code. Evaluate rule coverage and supported language features alongside the finding's actual application impact.

Evaluation approach

Available languages and analysis capabilities depend on the edition. Project-specific rules can look for weakened production TLS checks or embedded secrets. Test the language constructs each rule covers.

Application example

Build a small dataset of safe and unsafe examples before making a rule a CI gate. Measure false positives and missed cases.

Limits and considerations

No matches does not prove a program is secure. Dynamic behavior and native code may need separate review.

Give each rule a security question

Test a rule against a real defect and a similar-looking correct implementation. Simple keyword matching can miss context. State the language and analysis level used.

For RASP integrations, look for unsafe error paths, excessive logging and configuration mistakes. Give developers a specific location and explanation. Source scanning remains distinct from runtime tampering tests.

Checks and decisions

  • Record rule versions
  • Justify exceptions
  • Rescan fixes

Use Semgrep to give developers actionable feedback. It does not take over RASP's production role.

Sources

The primary references above provide the technical basis. Example workflows and evaluation suggestions are this publication’s explanations, not independent test results for a particular product.