Database Info

WARNING - Camera360 Security Risk

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

[Q] Prevent uninstall of phone locator?

Hi,
I've installed AndroidLost on my phone, so I can track it if it gets stolen. The app is hidden from the main app drawer and can't be directly uninstalled.
However, if I go to Device Administrators in the settings, I can deselect the item (which is named Personal Notes in there). Once deselected, it obviously becomes completely useless, and can't administer the phone.
Obviously,doing all of this requires a degree of knowledge, but not all thieves are completely stupid, so would be able to do it.
Is there a way of password protecting the device administrators, so that the app can't be disabled without a pass code? If not, is there an alternative app that can control the phone from a website that can be 100% hidden from view?
Thanks for any suggestions!

MetalOllie said:
Hi,
I've installed AndroidLost on my phone, so I can track it if it gets stolen. The app is hidden from the main app drawer and can't be directly uninstalled.
However, if I go to Device Administrators in the settings, I can deselect the item (which is named Personal Notes in there). Once deselected, it obviously becomes completely useless, and can't administer the phone.
Obviously,doing all of this requires a degree of knowledge, but not all thieves are completely stupid, so would be able to do it.
Is there a way of password protecting the device administrators, so that the app can't be disabled without a pass code? If not, is there an alternative app that can control the phone from a website that can be 100% hidden from view?
Thanks for any suggestions!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use some 3rd party apps like audio manager or Avast anti virus to lock down the settings....
Android sometimes proves to be frustrating when it comes to security concerns......

eatsleep said:
You can use some 3rd party apps like audio manager or Avast anti virus to lock down the settings....
Android sometimes proves to be frustrating when it comes to security concerns......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.. I've tried Audio Manager, but that seems to be only capable of hiding the actual app, which the app does by itself. It's preventing someone from unchecking it under Security>Device Administrators that I'm trying to achieve, and unless I'm not using AM properly, I can't find any way of using that to hide it.

MetalOllie said:
Thanks.. I've tried Audio Manager, but that seems to be only capable of hiding the actual app, which the app does by itself. It's preventing someone from unchecking it under Security>Device Administrators that I'm trying to achieve, and unless I'm not using AM properly, I can't find any way of using that to hide it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't got the point...
Hide or lock the settings..... My friends use this technique.....

eatsleep said:
You didn't got the point...
Hide or lock the settings..... My friends use this technique.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.. Audio Manager didn't really suit my needs, although it was more or less able to do what I wanted.. In the end I went with an app called AppLock, which puts a passcode on any app, including settings, but also has root capability, preventing it from being uninstalled, closed, etc. it also seems a little slicker.

[Q] App that lets you select permissions for apps?

Hello.
You download an app, it gives you a big list of what permissions it wants, and you can either agree to it or not use the app...
Is there someway of limiting those permissions? Or provide fake permissions?
Like in most iphone apps you can choose if you want to allow gps, contacts, etc.
I am searching for an app thats will limit those permissions prior to installing it. Won't do me any good if I want to deny contacts access but I do it after its already taken it.
Cheers and thanks
P.S. I'm using a rooted LG G2 d802 with android 4.4.2

I don't think it's possible, even Google's last Play Store update doesn't reveal every single permission when you update stuff, dunno if this limitation affects it or no.

You can use "app ops" (search for it in google play). It is a hidden menu from android os. Obviously it works after installation (iOS works the same, you first install the app and later you decide which permission accept/deny).

PoOoZaQ said:
Hello.
You download an app, it gives you a big list of what permissions it wants, and you can either agree to it or not use the app...
Is there someway of limiting those permissions? Or provide fake permissions?
Like in most iphone apps you can choose if you want to allow gps, contacts, etc.
I am searching for an app thats will limit those permissions prior to installing it. Won't do me any good if I want to deny contacts access but I do it after its already taken it.
Cheers and thanks
P.S. I'm using a rooted LG G2 d802 with android 4.4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to search "3c toolbox" in Google.
This app has many integrated tools within it.
You can change permission also.
Good luck

Adware/Virus on Android

Hello
im facing an ad-ware issues on my htc desire 610
out of no where my phone's screen dims and an add appear (while im on my home screen and all the apps are closed)
You can see the adds in the attachment
please tell me how to locate and remove it

You could try running Malwarebytes, I've normally had quite good results with it.

It's one of the apps you're using. Go through the permissions your apps have

genius911 said:
Hello
im facing an ad-ware issues on my htc desire 610
out of no where my phone's screen dims and an add appear (while im on my home screen and all the apps are closed)
You can see the adds in the attachment
please tell me how to locate and remove it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i also have this problem... i guess "Clean Master" is doing it in my Z3 Compact.

I have solved this issue on canvas a116 and core duos (gt i8262)
firstly, to check the severity of the virus do this : go to settings>security>device administrators
try to remove all apps under device administrators. If u are unable to remove them implies the virus is now embedded to ur fone's firmware.
solution : 1. backup ur contacts and media only, (do not backup apps and app data)
2. now u need to do a factory reset either from recovery menu or using adb (factory reset from 'settings' wont work)
3. if u again see any app under device administrators then the only solution is to reflash ur firmware
About the virus: This virus come packed in several apps on playstore in april 2015, those apps were immediately removed from playstore. however before its removal from playstore the virus had infected around 5000 smartphones. some websites refer to it as ghosthost virus. Still some non playstore apps carry this virus with them. once you install such apps, the virus will first root ur fone, and then grant itself superuser permissions without u even knowing it. Then it will install itself into system folder so dat it appears to be a system app. Whenever u r connected to internet it will download adware and install them in system folder. Its a very powerful virus, it also hides itself by running a script. Once it is in system folder u wont be able to delete it because it imitates the file names of the system files.

There's a huge list of infected apps hosted by Google playstore. So I think it's not easy to keep our devices secure from virus infection.

AVG can be as correct the problem

Hi guys! i have a serious adware problem on my elephone p7000 and i hope you can help me out.
So it's been a few days and i haven't been able to uninstall this mofo.
Here's what the adware is doing:
-Used to open ads on homescreen. it did that disguising itself as a dancing matrioska doll (which you could move around). since i installed CM security it stopped showing this kinds of ads.
-It opens pop up windows with du batery saver or other related apps (from appstore and from non-official stores). Mostly when i browse the internet.
-it places vertical ad banners (like the normal ones on almost every app on the store) on some apps, it seems to be random, cause it doesn't always happen on the same app, but it's always placed on the lower side of the phone.
-it installs push notifications with ads
-i believe it shows app ads on google play store (i haven't installed any app in quite a while so it could be google implementing this).
i have tried a lot of apps:
-Avg
-Avira
-Avast
-Malwarebytes
-CM manager (found a stagefright vulnerability and fixed it)
-Stagefright detector (with vulnerable result)
-addons detector
-airpush detector
-trustgo ad detector
-adware
-ad clean & antivirus security
and not even has been able to remove this damn malware, they don't even spot it!
i've also tried looking for all the apps on the phone,searching for apps with all the permissions and here's the list ( i don't know if these are the problem or not):
-Aging test
-agoldFactory test
-Bluetooth
.Bluetooth Share
-Bluetoooth LE
-Common data service
-e_Compass
-Elephone launcher (apparently it's the same as X launcher mysterious)
-LocationEM2
-MTK THERMAL MANAGER
- at least 3 different phone apps, 2 with 4.4 icons and 1 with android 5.0 icon. all have access to everything (is it normal to have 3 apps with the same name but different icons? )
- settings storage
-trusted face
-ygps
i have also cleared the cache of the phone, because i've read on several places that it helps (settings -> storage -> clear cache data) but with no positive result.
i have also tried looking for admin permissions but the only things in there are CM security and android manager (which i suppose is NOT an app but part of the OS).
I have tried looking for hidden files while checking my phone on my pc but there wasn't any nor did i find any weird app NOT installed by me.
i don't know if you have any other advice on what to do, or if you can help me reduce this list of apps so i can find the culprit app.
i'm afraid this is the ghost virus everyone's talking about, it appeared out of nowhere.
i haven't browsed that much. and when i do i always go to trusted sources. apart from the netflix app which i downloaded a few days ago i haven't downloaded anything in like 1 or 2 months and didn't have this problem until a few days ago. Right after my girlfriend's phone (same model as mine) got the same problem.
We both had the "install from untrusted sources" option on because i was testing an app i am making, but i doubt that's the problem since we only activated it whenever i tried to install the app on the phone (like twice in a week).
she has sent me pictures or files through mail, whatsapp or telegram only and it's the only link between our phones, besides being under the same wifi connection, of course.
thanks in advance for the help!

This is a known issue with these types of devices. They have these ads built into the system apks.

Hi !
Thanks for that solutions !
I have a question : where could I find malwarebytes for android ?
Best regard.

Adware and infected htc desire 526 g plus
Guys I am in a pickle! :silly:
I want to wipe my HTC desire 526 plus clean of malware that is causing it to download unwanted apps without consent. The malware seems capable of modifying the inherent permissions and bypassing all security features.
I am unable to gain root access by kingoroot alone. adware is not letting me update the Superuser app and being nasty on purpose.
It can gain permission to automatically start wifi, gain pemission to install 'Unknown Apps' and sends location and data with impunity. The ads are everywhere.:crying:
I have tried stock backup but it still reinstalls all the malware and the same cycle begins again. What I want is a freash stock rom/nand backup for this menace. Surprisingly I still cant find one link on the world wide web. Please Help me find it.
I am unable to gain root access by kingoroot alone. adware is not letting me update the Superuser app and being nasty on purpose.

alokmey3 said:
Guys I am in a pickle! :silly:
I want to wipe my HTC desire 526 plus clean of malware that is causing it to download unwanted apps without consent. The malware seems capable of modifying the inherent permissions and bypassing all security features.
I am unable to gain root access by kingoroot alone. adware is not letting me update the Superuser app and being nasty on purpose.
It can gain permission to automatically start wifi, gain pemission to install 'Unknown Apps' and sends location and data with impunity. The ads are everywhere.:crying:
I have tried stock backup but it still reinstalls all the malware and the same cycle begins again. What I want is a freash stock rom/nand backup for this menace. Surprisingly I still cant find one link on the world wide web. Please Help me find it.
I am unable to gain root access by kingoroot alone. adware is not letting me update the Superuser app and being nasty on purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingo root is the reason you are in this jam as it is. I don't think HTC ever released anything for this device so your best bet is to contact HTC.

ENERGYSER400 MTK 6572 virus help android 4.4.2
Bonjour, hy
For me it's exactly the same on my phone.... i have the snowfoxer folder with a lot of malicious apk on it and i don't know how to delete or erase the virus .... without wifi and google play ..... how i can flash the firmwire please
!

philjps said:
Bonjour, hy
For me it's exactly the same on my phone.... i have the snowfoxer folder with a lot of malicious apk on it and i don't know how to delete or erase the virus .... without wifi and google play ..... how i can flash the firmwire please
!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Find the forum that supports your device
model/carrier and post there. You'll likely find your answers there. If not someone will help you.

HTC desire 526G+ bricked
zelendel said:
Kingo root is the reason you are in this jam as it is. I don't think HTC ever released anything for this device so your best bet is to contact HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have deleted my priv-app folder and now I am stuck in boot loop, or just the HTC logo.
cant boot into recovery or bootloader (I tried). Tell me if you know something

How I got malware on my OP6 and how I got rid of it (at least I think so)

So I was looking for an app to make the top radius match the bottom radius on the corners while using the option of hiding the notch (I already have one different working app for that now). Someone suggested a very shady link to download an apk but since I'm desperate and dumb I just downloaded and installed it. However, after installation there was only a "done" button but "open" button was greyed out, there was no new app on app drawer and there was no new app in application list in settings. I started getting worried that I had just installed some bitcoin mining software or another kind of malware.
I got even more worried because if I tapped on the apk again it was asking me if I wanted to UPDATE the app instead of if I wanted to install it so it was already installed and it had permissions to access gps, phone history, and read, modify and delete USB storage.
After a while during the day, my phone started doing random noises from the speakers like audio from ads but without opening any app, then later it started opening random chit on google chrome and that is not even my default browser (my default is samsung browser), it opened those very intrusive ads that tell you you have a virus and you cannot go back you have to close the whole tab or app it also opened some ads with sexual content a few times.
I always thought all free anti-virus app on the play store were completely useless and just bloating apps but I started installing a bunch, most didn't detect absolutely anything after the option "scan all apps" I tried kaspersky, avast, AVG, Norton, etc. then I installed this (it's called "hi security" so not known brand and I thought it was going to be the worse but after opening it was powered by "McAfee" so at least McAfee is known):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ehawk.antivirus.applock.wifi
And it actually detected some malware after scanning all apps, there was an app with completely blank name on device administrators that I never gave permission to become device administrator as far as I remember, so I unchecked that app from admin and then the antivirus app was able to uninstall it.
After the virus cleaner uninstalled the app I haven't had any more issues with audios or ads opening on chrome. Do you think I'm safe now or could I still have some spyware?
I posted some screenshots showing everything.
I doubt that anyone wants the apk but if a developer wants it for reverse engineering or whatever reason I can post it the the name "MALWARE_do_NOT_install.apk" or something like that

If you are afraid of malware then flashing stock room is the best bet to get rid of it

vwite said:
So I was looking for an app to make the top radius match the bottom radius on the corners while using the option of hiding the notch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that all sucks!
Back to your top radius matching the bottom problem, here is what your're looking for!
I saw it on some guys youtube channel
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thsoft.rounded.corner&hl=en_US

Bro if security is top priority dont unlock bootloader and root because if you root your device you need to be careful i use af wall and also in settings i will control the permissons of all the apps you need to be conscious because in today's world internet devloped along with it many hackers many trojan rats are devloped so first study some blogs how to use android mobile safely finally if you root and use right apps you can secure device tonhigh level .apps like x privacy lua afwall will secure your device and super user authentication should be set to promt not allow by default

surface13 said:
Well, that all sucks!
Back to your top radius matching the bottom problem, here is what your're looking for!
I saw it on some guys youtube channel
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thsoft.rounded.corner&hl=en_US
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good app, that's the one I've been using for a while It has a few issues but overall good
Manivannan9444 said:
Bro if security is top priority dont unlock bootloader and root because if you root your device you need to be careful i use af wall and also in settings i will control the permissons of all the apps you need to be conscious because in today's world internet devloped along with it many hackers many trojan rats are devloped so first study some blogs how to use android mobile safely finally if you root and use right apps you can secure device tonhigh level .apps like x privacy lua afwall will secure your device and super user authentication should be set to promt not allow by default
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not rooted at the moment, phone has been doing everything I want except HBM but I don't think I'll root just because of that because I also use samsung pay plugin for my gear s3 and don't want to risk it

First of all dont trust any antivirus app except major companies like AVG, Avira etc. Always download from playstore. Don't give permission to browser to install app (unknown sources) in 8.1.0 u can do that.
Now scan all apps.. And remove them. Malwarebytes is best to remove hidden malware on any platform.
Good luck.
If u r ready to format and clean ur internal memory then, format ur handset from settings, download whole stock rom and flash it from recovery..
Regards.

herecomesmaggi said:
First of all dont trust any antivirus app except major companies like AVG, Avira etc. Always download from playstore. Don't give permission to browser to install app (unknown sources) in 8.1.0 u can do that.
Now scan all apps.. And remove them. Malwarebytes is best to remove hidden malware on any platform.
Good luck.
If u r ready to format and clean ur internal memory then, format ur handset from settings, download whole stock rom and flash it from recovery..
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, as I said on first post AVG and Avira were useless for this infection but both "Hi Security" and Malwarebytes premium were able to do the job

vwite said:
Thanks, as I said on first post AVG and Avira were useless for this infection but both "Hi Security" and Malwarebytes premium were able to do the job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mentioned Avira nd AVG as antivirus. Malwarebytes is best bro for malware infection. I m using it since 2009 for pc. Every time it does the job.
Also for ur round corner.. I suggest u search for "round R" a app found on xda in 2011 or 12, since then It does it job beautifully.
Regards