Identity across all processes in the system, no matter how many process boundaries Binder TokensĪn interesting property of Binder objects is that each instance maintains a unique

These features in detail, known as Binder tokens. That are used extensively throughout the system in a mix of clever ways, making it muchĮasier for the framework to address security issues. But Binders also have a number of other cool features Of IPC from the developer, allowing applications to easily talk to both the System ServerĪnd others’ remote service components. To my surprise, the answer to nearly all of my questions was pretty simple: the Binder.īinders are the cornerstone of Android’s architecture they abstract the low-level details In a way that is both efficient and secure? Or from hiding another application’s windows from the screen? More generally, how doĪndroid’s core system services respond to requests made by third-party applications What mechanism prevents me from, forĮxample, tricking the system into releasing a wake lock acquired by another application, Should be taken care of automatically by the system.įor a long time I took this security for granted, not completely understanding how it wasĪctually enforced. Have to take extra steps to protect the device from malicious applications.

This architecture was chosen with both developers and device users in mind: neither should Uses application sandboxes and Linux process isolation to prevent applications from beingĪble to access the system or other applications in ways that are not controlled and secure. One of Android’s key design goals was to provide an open platform that doesn’t rely on aĬentral authority to verify that applications do what they claim. Note: if you liked this post, be sure to read my second blog post about

Android java windowmanager permission