Android Permission Abuse
Android apps can abuse permissions to access sensitive data and device features beyond their stated purpose, exploiting the permission model to collect user data and perform unauthorized actions.
Android's permission model allows apps to request access to device features and data. However, apps can abuse permissions by requesting excessive permissions, using permission combinations to infer sensitive data, and exploiting runtime permission handling. This includes accessing contacts, location, camera, microphone, and storage without legitimate need.
- Unauthorized access to sensitive user data
- Privacy violations and data collection
- Location tracking and surveillance
- Audio/video recording without consent
- SMS and call interception
- Financial fraud through SMS-based 2FA interception
- Requesting excessive permissions during installation
- Exploiting runtime permission model
- Using permission combinations to infer data
- Abusing accessibility services
- Exploiting background execution permissions
- Using device admin privileges maliciously
- 1
Develop app with legitimate functionality
- 2
Request excessive permissions during installation
- 3
Use permissions for unintended purposes
- 4
Combine permissions to infer sensitive data
- 5
Exploit runtime permission handling
- 6
Collect and exfiltrate user data
- Review app permissions before installation
- Use Android's runtime permission model (Android 6.0+)
- Implement least privilege principle
- Regularly audit app permissions
- Use permission analysis tools
- Implement permission usage monitoring
- Educate users about permission risks
- Deploy Mobile Application Management (MAM) solutions
- •Flashlight apps requesting location and contacts
- •Games requesting SMS and call permissions
- •Social media apps accessing microphone in background
- •Weather apps tracking precise location
- •Adware apps abusing accessibility services