Which Android permission, if abused by malware, allows it to draw UI elements on top of any other app and is a key enabler of overlay phishing attacks?
- A.A. android.permission.INJECT_EVENTS
- B.D. android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE
- C.C. android.permission.BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE
- D.B. android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW
Why D is correct
SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW (also known as 'Draw over other apps') allows an app to display content over any other app using window type TYPE_APPLICATION_OVERLAY (Android 8+). This is the technical enabler for overlay phishing attacks where a fake login screen is drawn over a legitimate banking app. INJECT_EVENTS is a signature-level permission not available to third-party apps. BIND_ACCESSIBILITY_SERVICE enables reading screen content. FOREGROUND_SERVICE enables persistent background processes but does not enable drawing over other apps.
Know someone studying for Mobile Security Fundamentals? Send them this one.