Desktop application testing

Desktop applications are an attack surface too.

Through manual testing we find out how a desktop application could be abused: whether someone could access stored data, bypass permissions or use the application to reach further into your company systems.

Discuss your application risks
Business risk

The application is not the only thing at risk.

Desktop applications may handle sensitive data, run with elevated privileges and connect to internal systems. Hidden flaws introduced during development can therefore create risk well beyond the application itself.

The privileges it runs with matter

Some applications run with elevated privileges or privileged system access.

Poorly restricted access can put other systems at risk too.

Built for internal use, still exposed

Many desktop applications were built for internal use only, so nobody expected anyone to abuse them deliberately.

A direct database connection, passwords hard-coded into the program and unchecked permissions: that can be all a malicious user or an infected machine needs.

Customers ask for proof

Enterprise customers increasingly expect software vendors to demonstrate the security of their products through independent testing.

A penetration test report can also be a competitive advantage in the procurement process.

Every finding comes with technical evidence and concrete remediation guidance your development team can follow directly. The report also shows customers and auditors that the application has been tested by independent specialists.

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Methodology

How we test desktop applications.

We complement static and dynamic analysis with manual testing, so that logic flaws come to light alongside technical vulnerabilities. The assessment covers six areas, from the installer package to the update process.

  • Installer package and installation process analysis
  • File structure and registry changes
  • Use of system libraries
  • Connection points (APIs, databases, networks)
  • Network communication (TLS, APIs, protocols)
  • Execution in an isolated environment (virtual machine, sandbox)
  • Memory usage and running processes
  • Error and exception handling
  • Input validation
  • Buffer overflows and injection attacks
  • Output filtering and escaping
  • Secure logging
  • Data stored in the file system, registry and cache
  • Handling of passwords and access tokens
  • Encryption mechanisms in use
  • Correct use of cryptographic algorithms
  • Installer integrity (digital signature, hash)
  • Execution privileges (e.g. administrator rights)
  • Authentication mechanisms
  • Role-based access and permission checks
  • Business logic flaws
  • Transaction and workflow checks
  • Hard-coded credentials and secrets
  • Protection against reverse engineering and tampering
  • Security and integrity of the update process
Consultation

Security starts with a conversation.

No sales pitch – just a focused conversation about your business continuity and operational risk.

Book a free 30-minute consultation