Bridged Native Web UI Interaction for Mobile App Security Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile app security testing methods, particularly pixel-based testing, are prone to failures due to changes in screen resolution and orientation, leading to inconsistencies, delays, and errors in assessing app vulnerabilities and user data security.
Innovation Solution
A security instrumentation system that enables bridged native and web-based user interface interaction, allowing for direct interaction with user interface elements by serializing and rendering them in a web browser, thereby avoiding pixel-based limitations and ensuring real-time display and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pixel-based testing is used to record user interactions, then automation capability is improved, but testing reliability deteriorates due to failures when screen resolution or orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that translates between pixel-based automated testing and semantic UI element identification. This mediator captures UI elements by their semantic meaning rather than fixed pixel coordinates, allowing automated tests to adapt when screen resolution or orientation changes while maintaining the automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts testing parameters based on detected screen characteristics. When screen resolution or orientation changes, the testing framework automatically recalibrates the mapping between UI elements and interaction coordinates, maintaining testing reliability across different display configurations without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual testing is used to navigate UI, then adaptability to display changes is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time consumption and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting screen resolution and orientation, then adjusting its own testing parameters accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual testing while maintaining adaptability to display changes, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops that continuously monitor screen characteristics and adjust testing behavior in real-time. When display parameters change, the system receives feedback about the new configuration and automatically adapts its testing approach, combining the adaptability of manual testing with the efficiency of automation.
3Extent of automation
If pixel-based interaction recording is used, then automation is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates when UI object location changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of UI elements by their semantic characteristics before testing begins. By pre-mapping UI elements to their functional identifiers rather than fixed pixel coordinates, the system ensures that interaction recording maintains precision even when UI objects move or resize during testing execution.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein for improved mobile app security testing via bridged native and web user interface interaction. In one example embodiment, a method is provided comprising receiving, by a security instrumentation system, an app for analysis, and discovering, by the security instrumentation system, one or more user interface elements provided by the app. Thereafter, interrogating, by the security instrumentation system, the one or more user interface elements provided by the app and serializing, by the security instrumentation system, the one or more user interface elements. In some embodiments, after serializing the one or more user interface elements, causing presentation of the serialized one or more interface elements via a web browser.