Desktop Application Penetration Testing Service
Desktop Application Security
Protecting Locally Installed Software
Desktop application security focuses on protecting software installed directly on end-user devices, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux applications. These applications can often run with elevated privileges, access local system resources, and handle sensitive data – making security flaws particularly high impact.
Unlike web applications, desktop software operates within the user’s operating system environment. Vulnerabilities can arise from insecure local storage, weak update mechanisms, excessive permissions, insecure design that could lead to local or remote code execution, or trusting local files, users, or processes without validation. These issues are rarely identified through network-based testing or automated tools alone.
Desktop application security testing assesses how an application behaves on a real system and how it could be abused by a malicious user or attacker. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities that could lead to data exposure, privilege escalation, or wider system compromise, and to provide clear guidance on reducing those risks.
Real-World Impact
These issues are rarely identified through network-based testing or automated tools alone. Manual testing is essential to discover how attackers could manipulate the application’s behavior, reverse engineer sensitive logic, or exploit trust assumptions.
Our testing methodology combines static analysis, dynamic analysis, and manual security review to identify vulnerabilities specific to desktop applications. We examine authentication mechanisms, local data storage, file permissions, update processes, and how the application interacts with the underlying operating system.
Where applicable, we also assess how the application interacts with backend APIs or services to ensure end-to-end security.
Why Choose Exploitr
Our penetration testing services are designed to uncover real, exploitable risks and provide organisations with clear guidance on how to fix them.
Manual, consultant-led testing
Real security experts, not just automated tools. Get thorough analysis from experienced professionals.
Remediation advice tailored to you
Specific guidance for your business and tech stack with practical, actionable recommendations.
Standards-led testing methodology
Testing delivered with industry best practices and testing methodologies.
Direct communication
Talk directly with experienced testers throughout the engagement process.
Real-world threats
Testing aligned to actual attack patterns that matter to your business.
Transparent, fixed pricing
Know your costs upfront with transparent, fixed-price proposals.
Get the right level of testing
What We Test
Desktop application testing focuses on vulnerabilities specific to locally installed software and its interaction with the operating system.
Authentication and authorisation mechanisms
Local data storage and credential handling
Insecure file permissions and sensitive files
Update mechanisms and supply chain risks
Dynamic and static analysis
Input handling and memory safety issues
Use of insecure cryptography
Inter-process communication (IPC) flaws
Client-side logic and trust assumptions
Business logic flaws
Pricing
Pricing depends on application complexity, supported platforms, authentication mechanisms, and integration with external services. A fixed price is confirmed after a short scoping review.
How Penetration Testing Works
Each penetration test follows a methodical, structured process to ensure that testing is safe, focused, and aligned with your environment. All work is scoped in advance and priced on a fixed basis.
Scoping
Every assessment starts by planning and agreeing the scope, objectives, and boundaries before testing begins.
Manual Testing
Hands-on testing that’s tailored to your systems and applications, not just automated scans.
Exploitation & Impact
Where appropriate, we safely action the exploitation of vulnerabilities to demonstrate what impact this may have to your organisation.
Reporting
Each report is created with your organisation in mind. We provide findings with detailed information, contextual remediation guidance, and an executive summary for your stakeholders.
Request a free quote
Speak with our security team directly
Experts in providing thorough testing coverage
Professional services you can trust
Fixed pricing with no surprises
Attack Surface Management
Gain complementary access to the Attack Surface Center platform with your penetration test to manage your vulnerabilities, assets, and track remediation progress.
