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The latest Camera360 update demands a strange and dangerous permission - "Change WiFi State". This is defined as follows:
"Allows the app to connect to and disconnect from Wi-Fi access points, and to make changes to configured Wi-Fi networks."
The apps already has internet access. But change WiFi state means it can not only turn your WiFi on and off, but it can add or delete to your access points, and read/change other information like encrypted passwords.
I emailed the developer (in China) and they just keep emailing me back asking what version I am using. He obviously doesn't want to answer the question!
I've noticed this "permission creep" in many other apps. The latest Firefox Android app wants access to global system setting, address book, and accounts. The latest YouTube app can take pictures and videos without your knowledge.
There are a few apps that I no longer update. I also use DroidWall to block cameras and other apps from internet access.
Stay Away from Camera360!
I use droidwall as well, actually extensively. I block everything but the necessities.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the heads up.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Now that look at it, some of the permissions that Camera360's Chinese developers want are pretty scary:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vStudio.Android.Camera360
Here are the most dangerous as of today:
NETWORK COMMUNICATION
FULL INTERNET ACCESS
Allows the app to create network sockets.
YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
READ SENSITIVE LOG DATA
Allows the app to read from the system's various log files. This allows it to discover general information about what you are doing with the tablet, potentially including personal or private information. Allows the app to read from the system's various log files. This allows it to discover general information about what you are doing with the phone, potentially including personal or private information.
PHONE CALLS
READ PHONE STATE AND IDENTITY
Allows the app to access the phone features of the device. An app with this permission can determine the phone number and serial number of this phone, whether a call is active, the number that call is connected to and the like.
SYSTEM TOOLS
RETRIEVE RUNNING APPS
Allows the app to retrieve information about currently and recently running tasks. Malicious apps may discover private information about other apps.
CHANGE WI-FI STATE
Allows the app to connect to and disconnect from Wi-Fi access points, and to make changes to configured Wi-Fi networks.
Camera 360 Browser Popups!
The Chinese developers that made Camera 360 removed the draconian permissions. But now, it has a more evil behavior. When you start your phone, Camera 360 starts a background process that displays popup ads on some websites with the default Android browser!
Thread on it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=33130018
Uninstall Camera 360 and watch your phone and your browser run faster!
Uninstalled :good:
Shouldn't this thread be a sticky, and, posted somewhere owners of all different models of phones will see?
Also, surely there must be some kind of app which lets you install apps without actually granting them those permissions? Some kind of permission stripper?
I'm not sure of any apps that control permissions directly but the is one called DroidWall which can block apps from communication over WiFi and/or your mobile network. Needs superuser/root access.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda app-developers app
Pdroid, need to make a patch for ROM of choice, but it works like a charm!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Bob Tums said:
I'm not sure of any apps that control permissions directly but the is one called DroidWall which can block apps from communication over WiFi and/or your mobile network. Needs superuser/root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have DroidWall, and Camera360 is blocked internet access. But it is still able to hook into the Android browser and show popups.
Not sure how that happens. You can try downloading AdAway from the market and see if that gets red of it.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda app-developers app
Here is the latest facebook official app with location 'feature' removed.
I am not sure if you guys who use the app know this, but facebook constantly tracks your location. There is a receiver built into the app that every time you "refresh" the app (Interval settings are found in the settings menu of Facebook) it gets your location and everything you do on Facebook, post a status, send a message, upload a photo etc, your location is added and you cannot turn it off..
So i decompiled the apk and removed all locations ability. That means, no checking in, no nearby, nothing that needs to get your location. You WILL get a forced close. I am working on trying to keep that enabled while dissabling the 'tracking' featrue. Just download, copy apk to your phones storage and use a file browser to install the APK.
Hope you guys enjoy the privacy while also enjoying the Facebook app.
DOWNLOAD: Facebook v3.7 - No Locations
Link???
Sent from my CleanRom'd GS3
Internet Guy said:
Link???
Sent from my CleanRom'd GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA Is having an issue with uploading attachments. Not sure why i'll try again later. Sorry :/
Internet Guy said:
Link???
Sent from my CleanRom'd GS3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea i love to try it...
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Ahhhh this the reason why FB consume a more MB on my 3G ?
Michel
Good idea, but I've turned my location of and it never shows my location when posting any thing.. when I send a private message it gives me the option to turn location of.. is this the same location receiver you are disabling from the app?
Sent from my Xperia S using xda premium
Michel_debs said:
Ahhhh this the reason why FB consume a more MB on my 3G ?
Michel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This mod will possibly use a tiny bit less. But it uses so much for its Cache. So things are loaded a lot faster and what not.
danlivesey said:
Good idea, but I've turned my location of and it never shows my location when posting any thing.. when I send a private message it gives me the option to turn location of.. is this the same location receiver you are disabling from the app?
Sent from my Xperia S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about turning your location off under settings of your phone? Well thats different. There is no way to turn it off in the FB app itself. You can turn off the location thing for your messages but its still secretly getting your location.
OP UPDATED WITH DL LINK TO MY DROPBOX
Sorry it took so long. XDA is giving me some security error when i try to attach anything :/
Thanks. App is working great!
Sent from my T999 GS3 @ 2GHZ
I don't mean to hijack the thread, but a good app that stops location requests for any application is LBE Security Master. It will prompt you each time an application requests to use certain permissions. You can also check a box to never allow the application to access that setting, in this case it would be location.
Just search on XDA to find it, I'm on my phone and I don't think the app is on the market.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
codyrt said:
I don't mean to hijack the thread, but a good app that stops location requests for any application is LBE Security Master. It will prompt you each time an application requests to use certain permissions. You can also check a box to never allow the application to access that setting, in this case it would be location.
Just search on XDA to find it, I'm on my phone and I don't think the app is on the market.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whenever i tried using a third party app to block GPS to the Facebook app, it would cause the FB app to force close irregardless what you did.
I'll try the app and see what happens. Not sure how it goes about granting and denying access. In all honesty i was looking for something like this.
Just don't use LBE Privacy Guard on jelly bean, it caused my phone to freeze a few minutes after turning on and then rebooted and got stuck in that loop. The only way to resolve it was to use adb and remove the apps file.
The app I mentioned in my post above doesn't seem to have any issues besides that parts of it are in Chinese.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
codyrt said:
Just don't use LBE Privacy Guard on jelly bean, it caused my phone to freeze a few minutes after turning on and then rebooted and got stuck in that loop. The only way to resolve it was to use adb and remove the apps file.
The app I mentioned in my post above doesn't seem to have any issues besides that parts of it are in Chinese.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you confirm it works with Facebook?
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Works great so far -- subscribed to this thread -- thanks!
As far as I can tell it does. When I open Facebook, LBE pops up and asks me if I want to allow Facebook to track my location. It detects whether Facebook is using location tracking through WiFi or through GPS. I have not checked to see my posts to see if location is attached to them.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
codyrt said:
As far as I can tell it does. When I open Facebook, LBE pops up and asks me if I want to allow Facebook to track my location. It detects whether Facebook is using location tracking through WiFi or through GPS. I have not checked to see my posts to see if location is attached to them.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting.. I wonder if it's blocking "locationmanager.getlastknownlocation" as well. This method doesn't access any hardware. It just reads what the last location known was. Meaning if any other app has access to your GPS and gets a lock, that location is remembered and then used by above method.
I feel much more comfortable completely removing the actual physical code no offence to your option though.
And for a thread update, I learned a new tool to help figure out what gets called where. so I might be able to add the ability to check in as well as use "nearby" in the app. And just disable the tracking!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
elesbb said:
Interesting.. I wonder if it's blocking "locationmanager.getlastknownlocation" as well. This method doesn't access any hardware. It just reads what the last location known was. Meaning if any other app has access to your GPS and gets a lock, that location is remembered and then used by above method.
I feel much more comfortable completely removing the actual physical code no offence to your option though.
And for a thread update, I learned a new tool to help figure out what gets called where. so I might be able to add the ability to check in as well as use "nearby" in the app. And just disable the tracking!
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm still using your MOD too, I really don't need Facebook accessing my location so you can never be too safe about that.
Sent from my One X using xda app-developers app
Thanks mate awesome work!
Hi, there are still some Facebook services running all the time in the background although I have deactivated all notifications. Do you know which services these are?
topcaser said:
Hi, there are still some Facebook services running all the time in the background although I have deactivated all notifications. Do you know which services these are?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sort of. I know when notifications are enabled there is a service running. Also what's your refresh interval set at? If that's not disabled then that's what the service is.
If not it may just be in "empty applications" part of androids memory manager. Meaning it's dead but still there to increase launch time. I'm running cm10 and I use the "hold back to kill" option on Facebook so mine is 100 percent gone.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
Loving this app. Great job. Finally facebook can't track me anymore. One big brother, google, is enough.
Hi all, plz sum1 tell me HOW TO RESTRICT AN APP FROM ACCESSING THE INTERNET?
Especially when connected to carrier network, not wifi
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using xda app-developers app
You can restrict access for apps using pdroid.it lets you set limits on each app. I believe it might be what your looking for. I have used it and it lets you set permissions for each app. You can find it by going to android development and hacking, then go to android apps and games, look in there and you will find pdroid.not exactly sure to what extent you can set the permissions, but I think it would be the best app to try. I'm pretty sure you can do what your needing to do with that app. It's worth a try. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Setting -->> more --->> usage
Set data usage limit and click app which u want to restrict data and enable background restrict data . .
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda app-developers app
PDroid is fantastic and is an absolute solution. The problem with it is that isn't not super easy to install. It has to be put into a ROM when it's compiled. It can't be simply flashed as an add on.
It's available in OpensationSensation 2 which is CM10 and is set up and ready to use upon install of the ROM.
But if switching to CM10 isn't the best option for you then Itsakash's option is an easy to do and good option. And it will completely stop the app from accessing mobile data. The only downside is that it doesn't stop access to wifi, if that's an issue for you. What this won't let you do easy is restrict all app except the web browser like you indicated in your other thread.
If you need all but 1 app restricted form mobile data use, use an app from the PlayStore called DroidWall (or search out similar apps that you might like better. Search for 'internet firewall' in the PlayStore). These kinds of apps are a filter of sorts that requires all internet connectivity to go through the firewall app, and the app can shut off access to either wifi or mobile data or both. And it works like a charm.
It comes with a price in that it's a constantly running background app so there MAY be some battery or performance drain, though it should be very minor if it's noticeable at all. It's definitely worth trying to see if it works for you though. You can always uninstall the app if it doesn't meet your needs.
Also, please don't create multiple threads asking the same question. This forum is full of people who will be happy to help you. But this is not 24/7 tech support. If your question isn't answered right away, give it some time. Someone will help you (as you can see here)
Thanks all, i'll try out
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using xda app-developers app
ashkan-khatar said:
Hi all, plz sum1 tell me HOW TO RESTRICT AN APP FROM ACCESSING THE INTERNET?
Especially when connected to carrier network, not wifi
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the user above stated Droidwall is what you need Its a full android firewall. You can select what to allow (white list mode) and what to block( blacklist mode) both over WiFi and 3g separately and best of all its free + no ads. I haven't had a rom without it since froyo
HI guys
Ive noticed that fb mobile app always uses GPS to probe my location when i run the app, thats kinda disturbing. Is there a way to configure the app or do something to prevent it from turning on GPS? I tried to revoke its permission to use location services with another app but fb crashes.. Any tips are much appreciated.
Try this:
Goto 'Settings - Account - App Settings - Messenger Location Services" and turn it off.
Sent from my SGS II
Settings>Location Services: Uncheck the part about using GPS?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
immortalneo said:
Try this:
Goto 'Settings - Account - App Settings - Messenger Location Services" and turn it off.
Sent from my SGS II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, this only turns the location report in the chat ("sent from near location x,y,z..").
Hr Kristian said:
Settings>Location Services: Uncheck the part about using GPS?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this means turning GPS completely off, not only for facebook.
Without some sort of hack/app it is not possible clearly. Basically FB is using you GPS position for their private needs?
i dont know, but you can look at facebooks app permission and see it usses permission to access your call logs and alter them. if thats not private use, i dont know what is.
same probleme here ,, Turning GPS completly is the best solution
Install any security app form play store like LBE PRIVACY GUARD. You can block a specific app from using GPS through these applications since android platform does not allow settings for specific apps for using/not using GPS!
NOTE: NEEDS ROOT FOR THIS ACTION TO WORK!
Go to fb setting and turn of the location sharing.
Plus u can simply switch off the gps from the notification but then still it shares the location using web access point.
So u need both the things to xompletely shut the location thing...
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda app-developers app
shashivydyula said:
Install any security app form play store like LBE PRIVACY GUARD. You can block a specific app from using GPS through these applications since android platform does not allow settings for specific apps for using/not using GPS!
NOTE: NEEDS ROOT FOR THIS ACTION TO WORK!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks!!! i think LBE really did the work!
edit
on a second thought, fb still searches for gps signal.... :/
Tried ticking off the box about nearby friends?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
yes. still searches for gps. i think ive found a solution, flashed a new rom with Xposed framework (first time i see this) and theres an option to controll app settings, one of the options was permissions, revoked location permissions and it seems the app is still working and not crashing (unlike the first try to revoke these permissions with another application) and does not uses the gps. yay!!
un.droid said:
yes. still searches for gps. i think ive found a solution, flashed a new rom with Xposed framework (first time i see this) and theres an option to controll app settings, one of the options was permissions, revoked location permissions and it seems the app is still working and not crashing (unlike the first try to revoke these permissions with another application) and does not uses the gps. yay!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the new info! Which rom?
"To err is human, to forgive is divine"
Sent from my SGS II
its called RootBox Vanilla for galaxy nexus GSM.
heres the link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2110698
Hi all,
Can someone suggest the best app for locating a lost android phone?
After nearly loosing my S4 last night (running for a bus, fell out my pocket and ended up in a ditch...fortunately I bussed back as a last hope and found it!!!) I am searching for the beat app for this.
Thanks for any suggestions..
Conor
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Almost all antivirus companies have device tracking enabled through web.if you configured and recalled the data.you can track the location of phone and can remote swipe/sms and many more.I have tested that using kaspersky and NOD32 and webroot.this is the only chance to track else after stolen people throw away SIM,format the phone or change the IMEI so impossible to track back.
I'm using avast! (Free) It has quite an extensive lost/stolen system built into it aswell as all the antivirus stuff. One thing I like about avast! (Not sure who else has this) it has a setting called 'Geo fencing'. Once set, if your phone leaves a, user set, distance from your current point, it automatically locks your phone and triggers any other protection activities, and sends a SMS to a pre-set cell number. Good for night clubs or busy shopping malls incase you get pick pocketed.
Sent from my GT-N5100 using xda app-developers app
Avast! is pretty good when it comes to tracking.
Thanks for suggestions. Don't necessarily wanna install an anti virus on the phone.. Find they slow it down ( I know some people may disagree, but that's not the topic)
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Android now has a built in phone locator which can be activated in Settings > Security > Device administrators. Check Android Device Manager.
Uses Google's push service so it doesnt poll battery.
Link to web interface: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
In addition, I use AndroidLost from Play Store. Runs through Google servers so no background usage. Has an advanced plethora of controls on the web interface. Check it out.
Google Device Manager
I have enjoyed using Google Device Manager. It has the ability to ring my phone for 5 mintues so I can find it easier. As well as the ability to locate it. Although like everything else depends on data connection. So if I lost in a park with a dead battery... NO DICE.
SteckDev said:
I have enjoyed using Google Device Manager. It has the ability to ring my phone for 5 mintues so I can find it easier. As well as the ability to locate it. Although like everything else depends on data connection. So if I lost in a park with a dead battery... NO DICE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AndroidLost supports SMS controls. You could send an SMS message to activate GPS and auto reply the location, or you could send a message to enable WiFi/data and track that way.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
croach246 said:
any suggestions..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try lookout or plan B from google play store
Check this out! Links to useful Guides and " Banned " Documentaries
Try Google Device Manager if you don't want to deal with a whole antivirus
Thank you for all the suggestions !! I'll look into each one as soon as i get a moment. I'm sure others will benefit from these as well
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Rawket said:
Try Google Device Manager if you don't want to deal with a whole antivirus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed, i use android device manager. used to use the samsung version, but now that google offers it then i'll use that one.
I used to use Avast, but now I can just use Google's Device Manager or even CyanogenMod's which is crude for now.
Device manager seems to work well. It allows you to locate the device from another browser using Google maps, allows yo to ring the phone even if it's on vibrate or silent and once set up allows you too lock/erase all data from it.
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
cerberus is the best option for little money ( 3 € ) can have about 5 devices, and allows for many things, what I'm wearing and not disappointed.
Check out "Wheres my droid" from the play store. It is full of great features. Can set up triggers from text or phone numbers to make it ring. You can get is location from sending a specific text to your phone. You can lock it down,take a pic and even wipe it clean. Great app
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
Need a program, which one not affected by factory reset.
case coreorb
Actually i use Prey, it works pretty fine, you can download it on google play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prey
wsw-wyatt-earp said:
Check out "Wheres my droid" from the play store. It is full of great features. Can set up triggers from text or phone numbers to make it ring. You can get is location from sending a specific text to your phone. You can lock it down,take a pic and even wipe it clean. Great app
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had a look at this. May still try it. Or use both device manager and Where's my droid
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Zorbeyd said:
Need a program, which one not affected by factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, this is a really important point. Which of these apps are still able to perform their advertized functions after it is being lost? Supposedly, whoever is in possession of the phone will through out SIM card and do a factory reset so all apps that use google services will not work anymore as they are Signed out... Are apps from antivirus suites immune to this?