Mobile and Forensics
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)

Digital Forensics on APK Files: A Combined Approach Using MobSF and GHIDRA

Fariz Maulana Rizki (Unknown)
Mukhlis Prasetyo Aji (Unknown)
Ermadi Satriya Wijaya (Unknown)
Harjono (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jul 2025

Abstract

The rapid growth of Android smartphones has increased user convenience but also elevated the risk of cybercrime, especially malware attacks using complex obfuscation techniques that hinder detection and analysis. Traditional methods are often insufficient to address these evolving threats. This study integrates automated and manual analysis on APK files using Mobile Security Framework (MobSF) and GHIDRA through reverse engineering. MobSF performs automated static analysis to identify vulnerabilities and security indicators, while GHIDRA is used to decompile binary code into pseudocode for in-depth manual verification. The analysis of the “Pencairan Hadiah” (Prize Disbursement) application revealed dangerous permissions such as RECEIVE_SMS, READ_PHONE_STATE, and SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW. Manual inspection with GHIDRA confirmed API calls like getImei() and access to the Telegram API for automated data transmission. Although the bot token was inactive, the findings indicate an intent to exfiltrate sensitive data. The integration of MobSF and GHIDRA provides a deeper understanding and concrete evidence of malicious behavior in APK files, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining automated and manual approaches in digital forensic analysis.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mf

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Control & Systems Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Library & Information Science Neuroscience

Description

Mobile and Forensics (MF) adalah Jurnal Nasional berbasis online dan open access untuk penelitian terapan pada bidang Mobile Technology dan Digital Forensics. Jurnal ini mengundang seluruh ilmuan dan peneliti dari seluruh dunia untuk bertukar dan menyebarluaskan topik-topik teoritis dan praktik yang ...