SEBASTiAn

SEBASTiAn is a self-hosted static analyzer for Android APKs and iOS IPAs, best suited to developers and security teams who want one open-source tool for both mobile platforms. Its focused checks and actionable JSON findings make it useful for an initial security review, but it cannot assess runtime behavior.

Overview

SEBASTiAn assesses mobile application security without requiring a hosted analysis service. It covers both Android and iOS, and its modular design offers room for teams to adapt or contribute to the project. The trade-off is a self-managed tool: installation requires Python 3 and CMake, and Python 3.12 or later may require manually installing LIEF because stable prebuilt wheels are unavailable.

Key features

Android checks look for problems including insecure networking, weak cryptography, risky permissions, exported components, and WebView configuration. iOS checks cover binary encryption and signatures, insecure APIs and TLS settings, weak cryptography, and memory-protection flags. This gives teams a shared static-analysis starting point across both mobile targets, but findings are limited to what can be identified from the binaries; SEBASTiAn does not perform dynamic app analysis.

Reports can combine vulnerabilities with remediation suggestions, further-reading links, and the locations of vulnerable code or configuration. The --generate-report option saves the findings as JSON, making them easier to pass into downstream workflows. Vulnerability reports can be generated in English or Italian. These outputs are useful for prioritizing fixes, though the project does not replace runtime testing.

Teams can run SEBASTiAn from source or use its official Docker image. Analysis has a default timeout of 1,200 seconds, which can be changed. The project welcomes questions, bug reports, and pull requests on GitHub.

Pricing

The AGPL-3.0 open-source license costs free for open-source projects. That makes SEBASTiAn a no-cost option for eligible teams that can work with a self-hosted static analyzer. Commercial use and closed-source projects require a separate commercial license with custom pricing; contact [email protected]. The free license therefore does not make it a free choice for every organization.

Platforms

SEBASTiAn runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with installation guidance for Ubuntu, Windows, and macOS. It analyzes Android APK and iOS IPA files, so its host-platform support should not be confused with the mobile targets it assesses. Python 3 and CMake are required.

Who it's for

SEBASTiAn fits open-source developers and security teams that need static checks across Android and iOS, can manage a self-hosted tool, and value machine-readable findings. Its configurable timeout and Docker option offer practical flexibility for different environments. Teams needing runtime analysis, or commercial and closed-source organizations unwilling to arrange a separate license, should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Android and iOS checks in one tool give open-source teams broad static coverage without a license fee.
• Pros: JSON findings can include remediation guidance and affected locations, supporting follow-up beyond simply flagging a vulnerability.
• Pros: Source and Docker run options, plus a configurable timeout, suit teams with different self-hosting setups.
• Cons: No dynamic analysis means it cannot assess behavior while an app is running.
• Cons: Commercial or closed-source use requires a separately priced license, complicating adoption for those teams.
• Cons: Python 3.12 or later may need a manual LIEF installation, adding setup work on newer environments.

Alternatives

Compare mobile application security testing software if you want to weigh tools by category. AppSweep is a stronger fit for teams seeking static and interactive analysis, CI CLI support, OWASP MASVS alignment, and unlimited Android and iOS scans and team members on its free plan.

Ostorlab suits readers who want unlimited mobile scans plus attack-surface discovery, remediation, and ticketing in its free Community plan, or need its paid AppSec Web/API offering. Reversense Security is worth considering when Android instrumentation generation and dynamic deobfuscation are more important than SEBASTiAn's cross-platform static checks.

LinkedIn Databus is another free, open-source option. Quixxi Scan offers one-off Android and iOS SAST scans at $29, paid once, which may suit buyers who prefer per-scan pricing. Data Theorem Mobile Secure, Quokka, and Silker AI Mobile Security are other options to compare.

Verdict

Choose SEBASTiAn if you work on open-source projects, need static security checks for both Android and iOS, and can operate a self-hosted tool. Its strongest case is the combination of broad platform coverage and structured, remediation-oriented findings at no cost for eligible projects. Look elsewhere if you need dynamic analysis or commercial use without negotiating a separate license.