Overview
Thick client applications are desktop software installed on user devices that perform complex operations locally while securely communicating with backend systems. They are commonly used in critical environments such as banking, healthcare, ERP, and POS systems.
Because these applications often handle sensitive data and critical business logic, they are prime targets for attackers exploiting flaws like insecure local storage, weak authentication, and unvalidated inputs.
Our Thick Client Penetration Testing service thoroughly evaluates your desktop applications by uncovering hidden vulnerabilities in client-side controls, backend communications, and data storage. We simulate sophisticated attack scenarios to reveal weaknesses that could disrupt operations or expose sensitive data.
Thick Client
Network Communication Analysis
Intercept and analyze traffic for unencrypted data, insecure protocols, and weak TLS configurations.
Local Data Storage Security
Review configuration files, local databases, and caches for secrets or weak encryption.
Binary and Code Analysis
Decompile or reverse-engineer binaries to identify backdoors, hardcoded credentials, and insecure logic.
Authentication & Authorization Testing
Assess credential storage, session handling, privilege escalation, and RBAC enforcement.
Input Validation & Injection Attacks
Test for SQL, command, XML injection, and buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
Memory & Runtime Analysis
Monitor runtime for sensitive data exposure, DLL hijacking, and unsafe API calls.
Encryption & Secure Storage
Verify encryption mechanisms and assess protection of sensitive assets.
Configuration Review
Check application and environment configurations for insecure defaults.
What you will get
Deliverables that keep every stakeholder aligned
We deliver more than raw findings: you receive a complete package that leadership, engineers, and auditors can all act on immediately.
Reporting package
Evidence-rich documentation for executives and technical teams.
Executive summary that explains business impact, key risks, and the
narrative behind the assessment.
Vulnerability summary with grouped issues, risk owners, severity,
and time-to-fix guidance.
Technical analysis that includes screenshots, observations, attack
flow notes, and proof-of-exploitation where appropriate.
Metrics & scoring covering CVSS, likelihood/impact rationales,
and remediation priority to unblock quick decisions.
Remediation toolkit
Clear next steps, mapped to the people fixing the issues.
Excel remediation tracker that consolidates every vulnerability with
owners, status, due dates, and comments so progress is easy to measure.
Prioritized backlog with quick wins, blocked items, and prerequisites
highlighted to reduce remediation friction.
Restitution meeting to walk through findings live, align on
fixes, and answer engineer questions while the context is fresh.
Optional retest to validate patches and refresh CVSS scores so the
final report reflects your latest posture.
Where this service excels
Recent scenarios our team solved
Real-world stories that mirror the way customers deploy, defend, and recover.
Banking
Bypassing certificate pinning
Instrumented legacy desktop app to intercept traffic and discover plaintext credentials.
Outcome
Added modern TLS libraries, enabled pinning with update channels, and encrypted sensitive fields.
Engineering
DLL sideloading into client updater
Abused unsigned updater path to load malicious libraries during startup.
Outcome
Signed binaries, validated update sources, and tightened file permissions on install directories.
Healthcare
Local database tampering
Modified offline SQLite caches to alter patient records in disconnected clinics.
Outcome
Encrypted local storage, added integrity checks, and enforced write-ahead logging validation.
Testing Methodology
1
Scoping & Kick-off
Define target applications, versions, backend endpoints, and available test accounts. Establish testing objectives, rules of engagement, and communication channels.
2
Static Code & Binary Analysis
Analyze source code (if available) or reverse-engineer binaries to uncover insecure coding practices, hardcoded secrets, or embedded credentials.
3
Dynamic Testing
Execute the application while monitoring runtime behavior, network communications, and memory usage to identify exploitable conditions.
4
Authentication & Session Management Checks
Evaluate credential handling, session management, role-based access controls, and potential privilege escalation paths.
5
Input Validation & Business Logic Testing
Test inputs for injection vulnerabilities, buffer overflows, and business logic bypasses that could compromise application integrity.
6
Data Storage Analysis
Examine local files, databases, and registry entries for sensitive data exposure, improper encryption, or residual information.
7
Network Traffic Analysis
Intercept and analyze client-server communications to test encryption strength, detect replay vulnerabilities, and ensure integrity of transmitted data.
8
Reporting & Debrief
Deliver a complete report including executive summary, methodology, prioritized findings with PoCs, business impact, and actionable remediation, followed by a restitution meeting.
FAQ
Thick client applications often process sensitive data and business operations locally, making them high-value targets. Vulnerabilities in local storage, communication, or privilege management can lead to data leaks, unauthorized transactions, or full system compromise. This service identifies and mitigates those risks before they impact your operations.
Typically around 5 business days, depending on application size, complexity, and available documentation.
All testing is safe and non-destructive. When performed in production, activities are coordinated with your team to minimize impact. Intrusive tests are only executed after explicit approval.