Thick & Thin Client Testing
Desktop and browser-based applications have unique attack surfaces — we test them all.
Why This Matters
Many organizations focus security testing on web and mobile apps while leaving thick client applications untested. These applications often have elevated privileges, store sensitive data locally, and communicate with backend services using custom protocols — all of which expand the attack surface significantly.
Thick clients (desktop applications) and thin clients (browser-based apps relying on server-side processing) present unique security challenges that standard web or API testing doesn't cover. From memory manipulation and local file analysis to inter-process communication and protocol reversing — we test every layer.
We reverse-engineer client binaries, intercept and manipulate network traffic between client and server, analyze local data storage for sensitive information, test input validation on the client side, and look for business logic bypasses that exploit the trust relationship between client and server.
Key Focus Areas
Binary & Runtime Analysis
Decompilation, disassembly, debugging, and runtime manipulation of thick client executables — .NET, Java, C++, Electron, and more.
Local Data Storage
Analysis of local databases, configuration files, registry entries, cached credentials, and temporary files for sensitive data exposure.
Network Traffic Interception
Intercepting, analyzing, and manipulating traffic between client and server — including custom protocols, proprietary formats, and encrypted channels.
Memory Analysis
Runtime memory inspection for sensitive data in clear text — credentials, session tokens, encryption keys, and business-critical data.
IPC & API Testing
Inter-process communication testing, named pipes, shared memory, COM objects, and client-to-server API call manipulation.
Client-Side Bypass
Bypassing client-side validation, license checks, feature restrictions, and role-based controls enforced only on the client side.
How We Work
Application Profiling
Understanding the client architecture, technology stack, communication protocols, and data storage mechanisms.
Static Analysis
Binary decompilation and analysis — identifying hardcoded secrets, analyzing code logic, and mapping application functionality.
Dynamic Testing
Runtime testing with debuggers and instrumentation — manipulating application behavior, intercepting API calls, and testing business logic.
Traffic Interception
Proxying and manipulating all client-server communication — testing authentication, authorization, and data integrity protections.
Data Storage Audit
Comprehensive local storage analysis — databases, config files, registry, cached data, and temporary files.
Reporting with PoCs
Detailed report with step-by-step reproduction instructions, impact analysis, and platform-specific remediation guidance.
What You Get
- Thick/Thin Client Security Assessment Report
- Binary Analysis Findings
- Network Protocol Security Review
- Local Data Storage Audit
- Client-Side Bypass Documentation
- Platform-specific hardening guide & Free Retest
Tools & Frameworks
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