Developers often use addJavascriptInterface() to let the webpage communicate with the Android app. If not properly "sandboxed," this can allow a malicious website to execute native Java code on the user's device. 3. Native vs. WebView Performance
Because WebView handles external web content, it is a major attack vector for mobile security. in.android.webview-android
Choosing between a "Native" app and a "WebView-based" (Hybrid) app is a primary architectural decision for developers. Build web apps in WebView - Android Developers Native vs
Recent research highlighted that WebView often relies on system-level handlers that perform minimal checks, lacking advanced features like OCSP Must-Staple . This can expose apps to certificate caching attacks where malicious actors bypass security checks. Build web apps in WebView - Android Developers
Since Android 5.0, Google has decoupled WebView from the main OS. This allows it to be updated via the Play Store independently, ensuring security patches reach users without waiting for a full system update. 2. Hidden Security Pitfalls