Task Hijacking in Android

Implications of Task Hijacking

The implications of task hijacking can be very serious and big. Sometimes users risk unauthorised data access, financial loss, privacy breaches, and potential malware infection. The manipulation of tasks can lead users to perform actions they didn't want to, which might involve their personal information and device security.

So, also try to keep your phone and network very secure. In the article below, we will also understand how to be safe from this kind of attack also.

Methods Exploited by Attackers

Backstack Manipulation: Attackers manipulate the app backstack, presenting a malicious activity as genuine. Users unwittingly interact with a forged interface, inadvertently disclosing sensitive information. This exploit capitalises on users' trust in the app-switching functionality.
 

Permission Abuse: Attackers misuse granted app permissions to access confidential data, enabling them to hijack tasks and manipulate user actions. This tactic preys on users who hastily give permissions without comprehending their implications.
 

Overlay Attacks: Attackers deploy overlays to trick users into interacting with a seemingly legitimate interface that conceals malicious actions. Overlay attacks exploit users' inclination to trust visual elements, thereby compromising their security.

Mitigating Task Hijacking: Technological Advances

The risk of Task Hijacking will continuously change. So, we need to have knowledge of the latest bugs and flaws from which hackers attack.

Empowered App Permissions

You might have noticed that when you open any application for the first time, it asks you for permission. The permission can be for anything like a camera, mic, call, gallery, etc. Unknowingly, you provide the permission to the third-party application. Only the application owner can fetch all the info they are looking for through this.

Reinforced Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

When you log in to any big application, you might have noticed that the application requires an additional kind of authentication. Which is called two-way authentication. This helps to make your data more secure and safe. As a result, unauthorised access and potential task-hijacking endeavors face increased resistance.

Vigilant Behavior-based Detection

The adoption of behaviour-based detection mechanisms represents a proactive stance against task hijacking. Through the analysis of user behaviour patterns, these systems can swiftly identify anomalies that might signify task-hijacking attempts. By intervening early, potential threats can be averted before they inflict substantial harm.

Real-world Examples of Task Hijacking

Now we will create a Victim App that shows the task hijacking by others. 

Step 1: First create a Android Studio Project with name “VictimeApp”.

package com.example.victimapp

import androidx.appcompat.app.AppCompatActivity
import android.content.Intent
import android.os.Bundle

class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main)
    }

    override fun onResume() {
        super.onResume()
        
         // Now we will Simulate task hijacking by launching the Victim App's activity
        val intent = Intent().apply {
            setClassName("com.example.victimapp", "com.example.victimapp.MainActivity")
            addFlags(Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK)
        }
        startActivity(intent)
    }
}

Step 2: When you have created the app at starting , it will contain the folder “res/layout”, there you need to create a file with the name “activity_main.xml”. Now write below code, which is basically  the designing part.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    xmlns:app="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res-auto"
    xmlns:tools="http://schemas.android.com/tools"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:orientation="vertical"
    android:padding="16dp"
    tools:context=".MainActivity">

    <TextView
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
        android:text="Victim App"
        android:textSize="24sp"
        android:textStyle="bold" />

</LinearLayout>

Step 3: You need to download or set up a simulation device on the android for running the application alternatively you  have another option that you can connect your own phone also for the simulation. Check out below for exact simulation device.
 

Step 4: Now you need to click on the build or run button.

Output

Explanation

Here what you will notice is the Victim app will be go to foreground when open, which is basically because of task Hijacking

Preventive Measures to Combat Task Hijacking

Regular OS and App Updates

Staying and downloading always of the latest Android OS and app versions is crucial to integrating security patches that check all the vulnerabilities. Regular updates help us in defences against known security flaws.

User Awareness and Caution

Making aware and educating users about the risks posed by excessive permissions and interactions with unfamiliar interfaces is very important. And the main thing for famous applications you can also read their term & Condition for data sharing.

Installing Trusted Apps

Downloading apps from good sources like the Google Play Store minimises exposure to malicious software. Trusted platforms check and review apps, which help to lower the chance of Malicious attacks. 

Implementing Strong App Permissions

Always check what and to whom you are giving the application permission. If you take care of this, half of the app permission problem will be resolved quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is task hijacking in Android?

It basically means that hijacking in Android refers to unauthorised access to an app's active task or interface aimed at exploiting important or personal data and manipulating user actions.

How can users prevent task hijacking?

Users can prevent task hijacking by staying vigilant about app permissions, avoiding unverified app sources, and consistently updating devices with security patches.

Are task hijacking attacks prevalent?

Yes, task hijacking attacks are on the rise due to their potential to compromise user data and manipulate user actions. Attackers exploit user trust and lack of security awareness.

How do behaviour-based detection systems work?

Behaviour-based detection systems analyse user behaviour patterns for anomalies that might indicate task hijacking. Unusual behaviour triggers alerts, enabling timely action against potential threats.

Conclusion

In this article we have learned about Task Hijacking in Android also we have tried to understand with the real world example. We have also covered the type of attack and how we can save our phone from these malicious attacks.

Below are the important link where you can have a look.
 

• App Deployment
• Android Studio
• Android Operating centre.
• Android operating system

For peeps out there who want to learn more about Data Structures and Algorithms, Power programming languages, JavaScript or any other upskilling, please refer to our guided paths on Coding Ninjas Studio. Enroll in our courses, go for mock tests and interview puzzles. Also, you can focus on interview stuff- interview experiences and an interview bundle for placement preparations.

Do upvote our blog to help other ninjas grow.

Happy Coding!