Desktop Application Testing

Desktop apps often run with more privileges, more trust in local input, and more dangerous update paths. We treat them like attacker-controlled environments: local user, malicious files, hostile network, and manipulated runtime.

What we cover

  • Local privilege boundaries and trust assumptions

  • Update mechanisms and installer integrity

  • Sensitive data at rest (tokens, credentials, cached secrets)

  • IPC surfaces and inter-process trust

  • File parsing paths (imports, project files, plugins)

  • Network and API usage patterns

Common Failure Modes

Update and supply-chain compromise

Update and supply-chain compromise

  • Unsigned or weakly validated updates
  • Insecure download paths and tamperable installers
  • Plugin systems without integrity controls
Local data exposure and token theft

Local data exposure and token theft

  • Credentials in plaintext or reversible formats
  • Token leakage through logs/cache
  • Weak encryption usage or key storage
Local abuse and execution paths

Local abuse and execution paths

  • Dangerous file parsing and macro-like execution
  • IPC trust bugs (messages treated as “internal”)
  • Privilege escalation via misconfig or boundary mistakes

How we work

01

Surface mapping

Surface mapping

update, IPC, storage, file handling

02

Abuse design

Abuse design

attacker models (local user vs malware vs insider)

03

Validation

Validation

reproduce the impact safely and precisely

04

Hardening review

Hardening review

reduce trust in local state and inputs

05

Reporting

Reporting

prioritize “this becomes system compromise” paths

Tools and Standards

Core Tooling

  • Reverse engineering and debugging toolchains
  • Runtime tracing and controlled tampering methods
  • Secure SDLC alignment using NIST SSDF
  • Threat mapping references (ATT&CK)

Output options

  • Engineering-grade reproduction steps
  • Security posture checklist for releases and installers
PortswiggerGithubMitreOWASP

What we map to

  • Secure update and build integrity practices (SSDF)
  • Repeatable regression checks to prevent reintroduction
Background

Deliverables

Securing High-Impact Enterprise System

What Our Clients Trust us with

Client Video
▶

We partnered with ImmuneBytes for a security audit of our products. Their expertise and professionalism instilled confidence throughout the process. They promptly addressed our questions, and their thorough analysis significantly enhanced our project's security, safeguarding our users' assets. We highly recommend ImmuneBytes and look forward to future collaborations.

Aruje Jahan

Lokr, Product Owner

ImmuneBytes demonstrated the perfect blend of expertise, commitment, and accountability, resulting in an audit that surpassed expectations. Their thorough approach and dedication ensured a high-quality outcome, reflecting their capability and professionalism in delivering exceptional service.

Dheeraj Borra

Stader Labs, Co-Founder

Robots can do audits, but the personal touch makes a difference. That's why we love Immunebytes! Not only do they do top-class audits, but they also take the time to understand our project and why certain things are done in specific ways. They take the time to ensure we feel heard, which shows in their work.

Yog Shrusti

Farmsent, Co-Founder & CEO

We are thoroughly impressed by their team, who left no scope for a communication gap and provided a quick turnaround time. They took up each requirement with utmost detail and acted on it. It was a pleasing experience to work with you. Looking to working with you guys again!

Mac P

Ethernity, Chief Engineer

What You Need to Know?

Frequently Asked Questions

We test installable software (Windows, macOS, Linux) for vulnerabilities such as insecure local storage, weak encryption, hardcoded secrets, unsafe update mechanisms, privilege escalation paths, and reverse engineering risks.

Yes—Windows, macOS, and Linux. Each OS has different attack surfaces (Windows registry vs. macOS keychain vs. Linux permissions), so we adapt our testing approach accordingly.

We decompile or disassemble your binary, extract embedded secrets, analyze obfuscation strength, and test tamper detection mechanisms. If your app contains licensing logic or proprietary algorithms, we assess how easily they can be extracted.

Yes. We attempt to bypass license checks, crack trial limitations, and forge activation keys. If your revenue depends on licensing enforcement, this testing is critical.

We check whether sensitive data (credentials, API keys, user info) is stored unencrypted on disk, in plaintext config files, or in accessible memory. Many desktop apps leak credentials through improper file handling.

Single platform: 1–2 weeks. Multi-platform: 2–3 weeks.

Yes—every finding includes remediation guidance specific to your tech stack. We don't just say 'encrypt this'; we recommend appropriate libraries and explain how to implement fixes correctly.

$10K-$30K depending on platform count and complexity. Use our calculator.

Secure Systems

Let’s Evaluate Risks and Secure your Systems

+917303699708team@immunebytes.com
Immunebytes

A blockchain security audit firm with the goal of making the Web3 space more secure through innovative and effective solutions.

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