How to Use APKiD: Your Guide to Android Application Identification

Apr 11, 2023 | Data Science

If you’ve ever wondered how an APK was built and the kinds of tools it employs, then you’ve stumbled upon APKiD. This powerful tool identifies various compilers, packers, obfuscators, and more in Android applications, making it the Android equivalent of PEiD. Let’s dive into how you can utilize APKiD effectively.

Installation Steps

Starting with APKiD is a breeze. Here’s a quick installation guide:

1. Install via pip

  • Open your terminal and run the following command:
pip install apkid

2. Running with Docker

  • Ensure you have Git and Docker installed.
  • Run these commands:
git clone https://github.com/rednaga/APKiD
cd APKiD
docker build . -t rednaga:apkid
./docker/apkid.sh ~reverse/targets/android/example/example.apk

How to Use APKiD

Once installed, you can scan APKs with a variety of options, much like a detective piecing together clues. Below is a simplified analogy of how to think about using APKiD:

Imagine a seasoned chef examining a dish to identify its ingredients and cooking methods. Each option in APKiD allows you to dig deeper into the APK, just as the chef might decide to taste, smell, or analyze the dish’s appearance.

Command Structure

  • The basic command to start with is:
apkid [options] [FILE]

Options:

  • -h, --help: Display help information.
  • -v, --verbose: Provide debug messages while scanning.
  • -t TIMEOUT: Set a timeout for the Yara scans.
  • -r, --recursive: Recurse into subdirectories when scanning.
  • -j, --json: Output results in JSON format.
  • And many more options to refine your scanning process!

Submitting New Tools

If you come across an APK or DEX file that APKiD does not recognize, you can contribute by opening an issue on GitHub. Share what type of tool it seems to be—obfuscated, packed, etc.—along with the file hash.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you run into any hiccups while using APKiD, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure that both Docker and Git are installed and operational.
  • If you encounter permission issues while using pip, try adding --user:
  • pip install -e .[dev,test] --user
  • Double-check the APK file path and ensure it exists.
  • If APKiD does not detect a specific tool, remember to provide feedback via GitHub.
  • For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Final Thoughts

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

Now you are equipped to dive into the world of APK analysis with APKiD! Happy scanning!

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