SEBASTiAn review
A focused open-source SAST tool for APK and IPA analysis with unified reporting.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
SEBASTiAn is an open-source, platform-agnostic tool for static security assessment of mobile applications. It analyzes Android APK files and iOS IPA files, making it a fit for teams that need one workflow across both mobile platforms. The project runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and can be executed from source or through Docker. Its self-hosted deployment model suits teams that want to keep analysis within their own environment.
The strongest part of SEBASTiAn is its unified reporting model. JSON reports bring detected vulnerabilities, vulnerable code or configuration locations, remediation suggestions, and further-reading resources together in a consistent output. The checks cover mobile configuration, cryptography, permissions, networking, WebView behavior, binary protections, and related security issues. Teams can also exclude Android third-party libraries, set an analysis timeout, use fail-fast mode, and produce vulnerability output in English or Italian. These controls give the tool a focused place in automated or repeatable static analysis workflows.
SEBASTiAn’s scope is deliberately narrower than a full mobile application security program. It provides static analysis, but not dynamic analysis, so teams seeking runtime testing need another capability alongside it. Its open-source licensing also matters: the project is available under AGPL for open-source projects, while commercial or closed-source use requires a commercial license. Choose SEBASTiAn when cross-platform APK and IPA SAST, Docker execution, and structured JSON findings are the priority. Choose a broader mobile security tool when dynamic testing or established integrations are central requirements.
SEBASTiAn pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Analyzes Android APK and iOS IPA files in one workflow
- Unified JSON reports include findings, locations, and remediation guidance
- Docker execution and configurable analysis support repeatable workflows
- Where it doesn't
- Static-only coverage does not include dynamic analysis
- Commercial or closed-source use requires a commercial license
- No verified integrations are described
SEBASTiAn fact sheet, pricing and score →
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