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How does Android Deeplink work from security perspective?


I was just about to go through different ressources of "Android Deeplink". Here i have a question regarding the security of it.

As i understood i can create an intent-filter, lets say for www.myapp.de/goto. This will put a user into my app, if he clickes a link.

As well i am the owner of www.myapp.de.

How can a different developer be prevented from using a deeplink in his app, opening his app, even if the domain is mine?

So in this case i could register an intent-filter for www.google.de/open/ which will cause android to open my developed app?

This makes no sense to me. What am i getting wrong about deeplinks.


Solution

  • Other developers can create a deep link for your URL and there is nothing you can do about it.

    If multiple apps can handle the same URL as a deep link, the android OS will ask users with which apps they want to open it.

    You can upgrade a deeplink to an app link. You can upload the public signature of your app to your URL. This way android can verify the owner of a deep link URL.

    Apps that use app links will automatically open a URL for a verified URL. Therefore they will be the preferred option even if other apps are installed that handle the same URL.