Where Permissions in Android Are Stored

Описание: Discover where permissions in Android are stored, including insights into the files and databases involved in managing app permissions on Android devices.
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Understanding where permissions in Android are stored is essential for developers and users who want to have a deeper knowledge of the Android operating system's security framework. Android manages permissions in a structured way to ensure that apps only access the resources they are explicitly allowed to. This process involves several key files and databases. Let’s explore the main components where Android permissions are stored.

AndroidManifest.xml

Every Android application includes an AndroidManifest.xml file. This file declares the permissions the app requires. When an app is installed, the system reads this file and knows what permissions to request from the user.

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PackageManager and PackageInfo

The Android system uses the PackageManager class to keep track of installed applications and their permissions. This class interacts with the PackageInfo object, which contains information about the package, including the permissions requested.

Package.xml and Packages.xml

Permissions for each app are stored in the /data/system/packages.xml file. This file contains details about installed packages, including permissions granted, user IDs, and other critical information. The packages.xml file is crucial for the PackageManager service to manage app permissions effectively.

Example structure of packages.xml:

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Runtime Permissions

Starting with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Android introduced runtime permissions. Users can grant or deny permissions while the app is running, rather than at install time. These runtime permissions are stored in the /data/system/users/{user_id}/runtime-permissions.xml file. This file keeps track of which permissions have been granted or denied by the user for each app.

Example structure of runtime-permissions.xml:

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Settings Database

Additionally, some permissions-related settings are stored in the Android settings database, particularly for permissions that can be toggled by the user in the settings menu. This database is typically located at /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db.

SELinux and Permissions

Android uses Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) to enforce permissions at a lower level. SELinux policies define what system resources (files, sockets, etc.) apps can access. These policies are predefined and stored in the system partition, ensuring that apps operate within their allocated permissions.

Conclusion

In summary, Android permissions are stored and managed across several files and databases, including AndroidManifest.xml, packages.xml, runtime-permissions.xml, and the settings database. These components work together to ensure that apps have the necessary permissions to function correctly while protecting user privacy and device security. Understanding these storage mechanisms is crucial for both developers and power users who wish to delve deeper into Android’s permission management system.