[Q] App that lets you select permissions for apps? - General Questions and Answers

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

Related

[Q] Do I need Mobile Security, along with those following root necessary apps?

1)I have rooted the Android phone. Xperia Tipo.
2)Installed the Root explorer, Permissions Denied, Droidwall, Startup Manager, Adfree, Busybox, Titanium Backup.
3)I was planning to use the Comodo Mobile Security (including antivirus and a live monitoring firewall)
Do I need to remove anything from the previously installed set of apps? Because even if I have droidwall, It only blocks applications as a whole. I cannot stop the apps from doing specific spying like- phonebook photo, access. etc.
The ****ty google has lot of apps that keep logged in. I tried to block one service from startup, and youtube stopped working.
I dont want to permanently block them. I only want these apps to login and access only when I need.
What should I do?
I know I asked two or more questions in one topic, despite of the title. But, hope someone tells me.
Dude I can understand what you want because I also hate such google apps running in background so do the following
Go to (settings<apps<all)and find the app you want "for example" take YouTube select it and click "Disable"
(before tat click force stop to save RAM) The app will be freezed and will not run until you again go and enable it...
PS:The disabled app will be in the dead bottom in (settings<apps<all) you can go there and "Enable" it again when you really need to use the app.
HIT THANKS IF I HELPED YOU:thumbup:
Sent from my
xperia tipo rooted
using xda app-developers app
Yup...he's right dude....
Try Anti Theft Mobile Security
Try out Mobisecurity.net
It not only tracks location of lost mobile but also lock mobile remotely, send SIM change alert along with switched SIM number, wipe personal data when fallen into wrong hands.

[Q] Different premissions in the app

I want to develop an app with the following design:
The app will have some permissions (for example A- read the contact list B- use the Camera C- use the GPS location)
I want the app to contain 3 Mini apps that each of the mini apps has different permission. (Each of the mini app when activated download data from my server and request permissions, and I want that each one of the mini apps could get access only to one permission)
Can I do that ? how complicated the solution would be?
Do you know any apps the behave the same?
Thanks
Joe
Please respond
I cant post on other forums
thanks
Joe McCain said:
I want to develop an app with the following design:
The app will have some permissions (for example A- read the contact list B- use the Camera C- use the GPS location)
I want the app to contain 3 Mini apps that each of the mini apps has different permission. (Each of the mini app when activated download data from my server and request permissions, and I want that each one of the mini apps could get access only to one permission)
Can I do that ? how complicated the solution would be?
Do you know any apps the behave the same?
Thanks
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not possible to define permissions for 'parts' of apps, permissions defined in the manifest cover the whole app, you would have to just write these as three separate apps
clarification
zacthespack said:
It is not possible to define permissions for 'parts' of apps, permissions defined in the manifest cover the whole app, you would have to just write these as three separate apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so lets assume that I want to build my own mechanism to grant to permissions to each and every mini-app, can I build that kind of mechanism? or if someone will try very hard he can use unauthorized permission?
Thanks
Joe
Joe McCain said:
Ok, so lets assume that I want to build my own mechanism to grant to permissions to each and every mini-app, can I build that kind of mechanism? or if someone will try very hard he can use unauthorized permission?
Thanks
Joe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is how android actually handles permissions.
It does so using the normal Unix/Linux users and groups, when you install an app this app is given its own user, and the permissions it requires are related to groups which the user for that app is added to.
In this sense one apk is treated as an App thus you can not have more than one different set of permissions for the same apk
...
zacthespack said:
The issue is how android actually handles permissions.
It does so using the normal Unix/Linux users and groups, when you install an app this app is given its own user, and the permissions it requires are related to groups which the user for that app is added to.
In this sense one apk is treated as an App thus you can not have more than one different set of permissions for the same apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but If I build my own mechanism in the app code? for example I design the app that every miniapp should get its input through a main service, can I assure that the miniapp wont get input it doesn't need? or it wont be a problem for my "vendor" to pass my service and get the permission it needs
I hope that I'm clear
Joe

[APP][4.3 & 4.4 KitKat] App Ops eXtended

App Ops eXtended is a launcher for the 4.3 AND 4.4 App Ops activity, as well as an installer for a more advanced version of App Ops with added features:
- search for apps
- filter out disabled apps
- sorting alphabetically
- batch grant/revoke OPs (permissions)
- ability to automatically deny permissions chosen by you on new app installs
- optional persistent notification to show revoked permissions for the current foreground app
App Ops X is a recompiled version of Android 4.3's App Ops which we've made available to Kit Kat now too.
We're going to improve on it and add new features, so please, if there's anything you'd like to see just let us know! Also if you have any problems with it, please send us a description along with your ROM. Thanks!
Link: http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.colortiger.appopsinstaller
Can you add the option to take away ability from apps to connect to the internet, or to write to the USB storage, or to read the phone status and identity? That's what I would call extended app ops
sordna said:
Can you add the option to take away ability from apps to connect to the internet, or to write to the USB storage, or to read the phone status and identity? That's what I would call extended app ops
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't these apps work by listing ALL the permissions that an individual app can access ? So if it can't access the internet or GPS or or or it won't give the option to denied ?
drawde40599 said:
Don't these apps work by listing ALL the permissions that an individual app can access ? So if it can't access the internet or GPS or or or it won't give the option to denied ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App Ops lists some, not all permissions. Look at chrome, it doesn't say that it has any network permissions, neither write storage, but if you look at them in Settings->apps you can see it does.
sordna said:
App Ops lists some, not all permissions. Look at chrome, it doesn't say that it has any network permissions, neither write storage, but if you look at them in Settings->apps you can see it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha I never really looked at apps like chrome , I really only use it for games and shady apps downloaded from the internet . I agree finding a way to show all permissions would be great
Many thanks!! I was waiting for kit Kat version.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Yep, working on the INTERNET permission right now. App Ops eXtended uses the same AppOpsManager as the native app, which doesn't support it, so it's a bit more work, but we're getting there!
Looks nice !
If I may, once App Ops X is installed, the button still says Install App Ops X Maybe you could change it to "Launch App Ops X"
That's done, along with a few other features:
- notification that shows revoked permissions to the current foreground app
- batch grant/revoke a permission to all apps that requested it at once
- rules - automatically disallow permissions of your choosing to newly installed apps (like READ CONTACTS)
Don't see wake lock option in X version
First thanks for make this great app available on Kitkat platform.
I'm not sure if the following bug might be related to my phone only:
When trying the Native AppOps, all works fine and I see the "wake lock" option.
However when I try the AppOps X, I'm unable to see the option for "wake lock". I had granted superuser access to the app and phone is rooted. I'm on Kitkat (Build from CM 11). Phone is a Samsung S2 I9100.
If nobody is having this issue, then I would guess it's something with my OS or phone.
zrgiu said:
That's done, along with a few other features:
- notification that shows revoked permissions to the current foreground app
- batch grant/revoke a permission to all apps that requested it at once
- rules - automatically disallow permissions of your choosing to newly installed apps (like READ CONTACTS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is cool! Can you also present the apps sorted by name ? The standard app ops show the apps in random order, so it's hard to find a specific app you are looking for, if it falls under a section with a lot of apps.
keepasa said:
When trying the Native AppOps, all works fine and I see the "wake lock" option.
However when I try the AppOps X, I'm unable to see the option for "wake lock".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that! It is actually a bug on our side which we'll try to get fixed by the next version! Feel free to suggest any improvements if you have an ideas too!
sordna said:
This is cool! Can you also present the apps sorted by name ? The standard app ops show the apps in random order, so it's hard to find a specific app you are looking for, if it falls under a section with a lot of apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are actually sorted so that the app which most recently used that OP is shown first. We'll try to add a sort option by the next version too though!
Does it affect OTA Updates?
THX
Bernd
bgrimm said:
Does it affect OTA Updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shouldn't affect them in any way.
Is there a way to stop notifications?
killall said:
Is there a way to stop notifications?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In App Ops X on the upper right side there's a "settings" button, and there on the unlocked version the first option is for turning off the notification. If you haven't unlocked (purchased) though and you see notifications from App Ops X then that's a bug which we'll try to fix ASAP.
Yeh I have upgraded, but still get notifications, even if unchecked in settings
killall said:
Yeh I have upgraded, but still get notifications, even if unchecked in settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
found it, thanks! fixing now!
My main concern is the device ID. is there anyway to stop apps from gaining access to that? Seems like a good app so far. Nice job
Greatness83 said:
My main concern is the device ID. is there anyway to stop apps from gaining access to that? Seems like a good app so far. Nice job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
There isn't any way through the AppOpsManager as of yet. Even so, the device ID now isn't as unique as it used to be, since it's software generated as opposed to hardware. I'm still looking into it to confirm that it's so, but the most of the internet tells that it is.

App Permissions

Hello everyone
I'm a little concerned with apps sending information to themselves...
I would like to know if it is possible to remove certain permissions from apps even if purchased or free and still download and use the app?
For devices with root there exist several solutions. Via XPosed, LBE firewall - there exist many more.
Without root I only know of SRT Appguard which modifies the app, so every access of permissions is route controlled via Appguard. For me it works fine so far. But it was removed from play store, probably it is not allowed to modify the app afterwards, although no real change is being done to the app.
You need root and get xposed framework, that will give you what you want.
Without root, tough luck, the only way to do that is to manually block comms with a firewall with a router.
Get os monitor app to see what is communicating.
One addition: Android 4.2 has a hidden permission manager integrated. If I remember correctly it can do what you want.
But you may not want to be stuck on 4.2, it was removed in later versions.
Edit: Google says it existed but was hidden in 4.1. In 4.2 it was officially available. Afterwards it was removed.
tag68 said:
One addition: Android 4.2 has a hidden permission manager integrated. If I remember correctly it can do what you want.
But you may not want to be stuck on 4.2, it was removed in later versions.
Edit: Google says it existed but was hidden in 4.1. In 4.2 it was officially available. Afterwards it was removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I open this on 4.2? I saw it today in notifications and opened it from there so I still have it open in running apps but can't find a way to open it via settings menu or anywhere
It's called "App permissions".
Seems I mistook the versions where it was available. Seems it was only 4.3.
Google "app ops Android" or "Permission Manager Android" for more information. As I do not have a device concerned, I've only seen it myself once on the Galaxy Nexus of a collegue.

(Potential) Malware found on Elephone S3 right out of box?

Hi guys
I recently purchased a Elephone S3 from Everbuying.com. I heard people talking about how notorious these Chinese phones are having malware installed on them, so I decided to give the malware check a go and use about 10+ popular Malware detection apps (Avast, Kaspersky, Avira, Trojan Killer, you name it) currently available on Play Store.
Out of all those, excluding warnings that doesn't really matter in this regards (Malware specific), the below two apps gave me those respective warning results.
I have done some research, but i don't think I found any relevant info in this regards. So, for all the guru out there, the question is obvious, should I be worried about these "non-deletable" apps (if not rooted)? If they ARE malicious, can I be worried free by turning off ALL permissions for the apps and in some case, disable the app (I can disable the Beauty Center, not ELE Launcher).
Thanks to you all for any input!
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
App - Beauty Center
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.a
App - ELE Launcher
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.H
Stubborn Trojan Killer
App - Beauty Center
Message - General Trojan
App - ELE Launcher
Message - General Trojan
bagachin said:
Hi guys
I recently purchased a Elephone S3 from Everbuying.com. I heard people talking about how notorious these Chinese phones are having malware installed on them, so I decided to give the malware check a go and use about 10+ popular Malware detection apps (Avast, Kaspersky, Avira, Trojan Killer, you name it) currently available on Play Store.
Out of all those, excluding warnings that doesn't really matter in this regards (Malware specific), the below two apps gave me those respective warning results.
I have done some research, but i don't think I found any relevant info in this regards. So, for all the guru out there, the question is obvious, should I be worried about these "non-deletable" apps (if not rooted)? If they ARE malicious, can I be worried free by turning off ALL permissions for the apps and in some case, disable the app (I can disable the Beauty Center, not ELE Launcher).
Thanks to you all for any input!
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
App - Beauty Center
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.a
App - ELE Launcher
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.H
Stubborn Trojan Killer
App - Beauty Center
Message - General Trojan
App - ELE Launcher
Message - General Trojan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go ahead and disable Beauty Center, as far as ELE Launcher, that seems legit. But if you don't like it, just replace it with something like Nova Launcher.
mattzeller said:
go ahead and disable Beauty Center, as far as ELE Launcher, that seems legit. But if you don't like it, just replace it with something like Nova Launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
bagachin said:
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well look at reviews of the app, see if it is installing other apps without your consent, or constantly nagging you to download other apps. Generally 99.99% of apps on Google play are safe. Occasionally some crapware gets on there, but if you take a look at its rating and reviews (not just the highlights) you should be good.
Sent from my SCH-R220
bagachin said:
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
KernelCorn said:
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Sent from my SCH-R220
mattzeller said:
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the best way to do it.
I do the same thing, but I see lots of people posting here that aren't too tech savvy. For them be mindful of what you download.
mattzeller said:
Well look at reviews of the app, see if it is installing other apps without your consent, or constantly nagging you to download other apps. Generally 99.99% of apps on Google play are safe. Occasionally some crapware gets on there, but if you take a look at its rating and reviews (not just the highlights) you should be good.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. Yes, I am aware that common source/cause of malwares are side load apps and rooted device. So I am always fairly cautious about any apps i installed via non-play store source. However, these two caught apk are installed right out of box. That kinda annoys me. I don't jump on the bandwagon and say Chinese phones are infested with malwares and I believe a lot of the time people just over exaggerate and blow some minority out of proportion.
However, the truth is, this is the first Chinese phone I got and it came with two identified malwares. To be fair, it might not be particularly malicious, but it's enough to make me have second thought about my purchase....
KernelCorn said:
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I am quite careful about the app I get to choose to install, but I have little control over these apps that come pre-installed on these chinese phone and got detected as "malwares"
mattzeller said:
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yap, what I did for those two apps I mentioned are turning off all permissions access to them, disable app for the one I can and turn off background data access. Hopefully it will freeze them for good and stop them from playing naughty.
Just a question though, say I do all those above (e.g. switching off permission, force stopped etc), technically speaking, can a malware still be "active and do what they "meant" to do"? I meant after all, they are meant to do something "out of control" right?
bagachin said:
Yap, what I did for those two apps I mentioned are turning off all permissions access to them, disable app for the one I can and turn off background data access. Hopefully it will freeze them for good and stop them from playing naughty.
Just a question though, say I do all those above (e.g. switching off permission, force stopped etc), technically speaking, can a malware still be "active and do what they "meant" to do"? I meant after all, they are meant to do something "out of control" right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if you revoke the permission to view your contacts, it is the system that is blocking the apps ability to view your contacts.
Though I think you are being a little paranoid.
Everyone freaks out out all the permissions apps require, when the app actually never uses most of the permissions it asks for, at least not in the way you think. You wouldn't think the launcher needs permissions to access your contacts, but it does. How else is it going to allow you to make a call, or display an incoming all, or missed call/text badges.
I mean take a look at the litany of permissions Nova Launcher and TeslaUnread require, yet we all know the app is not malware. As long as you install from legitimate sources, you will be fine. Like I said in my first post, disable the Beauty app, the other is the Launcher. If you don't like it, install a different one.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Who would you rather have snoop in on your calls? China, or USA.. Because it is one or the other.. me personally, I will take the country in which I do not reside...
mattzeller said:
No, if you revoke the permission to view your contacts, it is the system that is blocking the apps ability to view your contacts.
Though I think you are being a little paranoid.
Everyone freaks out out all the permissions apps require, when the app actually never uses most of the permissions it asks for, at least not in the way you think. You wouldn't think the launcher needs permissions to access your contacts, but it does. How else is it going to allow you to make a call, or display an incoming all, or missed call/text badges.
I mean take a look at the litany of permissions Nova Launcher and TeslaUnread require, yet we all know the app is not malware. As long as you install from legitimate sources, you will be fine. Like I said in my first post, disable the Beauty app, the other is the Launcher. If you don't like it, install a different one.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the way things are with the permissive Android system, we have to be a little paranoid. The built in system apps like launchers and permissions can't be disabled easily unless the user is technical enough to know about rooting using apps like xposed/xprivacy.

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