AwesomeREA.org

Tool

apk.sh

Bash script that automates repetitive Android app analysis chores around apktool: pulling an installed package from a device or emulator, decoding resources and disassembling dex code, and rebuilding the decoded directory into an APK. Split APKs from app bundles are combined into a single APK when pulled, and the script can also prepare a copy for Frida instrumentation.

Requirements & limits

  • Latest release at review: v1.1.3, published 2026-01-26, which matches the reviewed main commit. It is a single Bash script; the README lists apktool, apksigner, unxz, zipalign, aapt and adb as requirements.
  • On first use the script creates a hidden apk.sh folder in the home directory and downloads the tools it needs there, including the latest apktool release and Android build tools, so a network connection and a Java runtime are needed.
  • Input is an APK or an installed package the user is authorized to analyze; pulling requires adb access to the device or emulator. Rebuilt APKs are modified copies, not the original package.
  • GPL-3.0. This entry describes the documented pull, decode and rebuild workflow only. Nothing was installed or run.

About this entry

Type
Tool
Category
Android tools
Relationship
Foundation tool
Targets
App

Sources reviewed

The description was reviewed against primary sources. This does not establish runtime testing, security auditing or verified compatibility.

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Primary sources

  1. README.md GitHub · ax/apk.sh · Revision 2a1ed25
  2. README.md#L121-L130 GitHub · ax/apk.sh · Revision 2a1ed25
  3. apk.sh GitHub · ax/apk.sh · Revision 2a1ed25
  4. LICENSE GitHub · ax/apk.sh · Revision 2a1ed25
  5. https://github.com/ax/apk.sh/releases/tag/v1.1.3

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