[Q] Android permissions - General Questions and Answers

Hello everyone,
since am new to android os and i recently came from iOS, i do have some questions about how android apps work. first of all i noticed the lack of permissions you can choose to give to spesific apps like iOS allows, when i try to install an app from play store, it just shows me what permissions the app is going to use and thats all, they dont allow me to change that? and my biggest complain is that i downloaded viber from play store before one day, and the app modified my contacts list app adding viber out/free viber calls shortcuts.. for me thats unacceptable, i mean its like installing an app on your pc and not being able to deny the toolbar that comes within it to your browser.. how can i change all that and control the freedom of the apps. btw sorry for my bad english, i hope you ppl can understand me

Querd said:
Hello everyone,
since am new to android os and i recently came from iOS, i do have some questions about how android apps work. first of all i noticed the lack of permissions you can choose to give to spesific apps like iOS allows, when i try to install an app from play store, it just shows me what permissions the app is going to use and thats all, they dont allow me to change that? and my biggest complain is that i downloaded viber from play store before one day, and the app modified my contacts list app adding viber out/free viber calls shortcuts.. for me thats unacceptable, i mean its like installing an app on your pc and not being able to deny the toolbar that comes within it to your browser.. how can i change all that and control the freedom of the apps. btw sorry for my bad english, i hope you ppl can understand me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are ways to block it for exmple i had a MIUI rom and i could block any unwanted premission, i dont know if it works on all roms but it was kinda useful among all other things this rom gives

lunknownl said:
there are ways to block it for exmple i had a MIUI rom and i could block any unwanted premission, i dont know if it works on all roms but it was kinda useful among all other things this rom gives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ya but still i dont get any spesific names, and the only rom i like is CM11 / 12

Querd said:
ya but still i dont get any spesific names, and the only rom i like is CM11 / 12
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in cm go to settings->security or privacy->privacy guard and choose the app you want you can block there any premissions you like

but my friend that doesnt change the fact that viber modifies contact app, it adds a 'plugin' to the app with viber out and free calling/messaging, you need to let viber have access to contacts in order to sync and check whos from your contacts has viber, but at the same time it adds the plugin.. am i wrong?

Related

[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

Installing MIUI original apps on Cyanogenmod

Is it possible to install MIUI original apps on Cyanogenmod or any other phone/OS?
Living in China, backing up to the Mi Cloud is easier than to syncing with Google, as it does not require switching on the VPN and thus does not drain the battery waiting for a VPN connection and gets generally higher network speeds.
Also, the dialler and the messaging app have features that are handy for users in China. The messaging app automatically picks up tracking codes from courier services and can track their progress on the official website easily. It also knows which companies use which phone numbers for broadcast messages and automatically assigns logos and names to their messages.
The dialler app comes with phone number tagging. A phone number that is tagged as a scam, telemarketeer or a courier will show up as such so you have a chance to decline or accept an unknown number.
All these features are a little too handy to be missed. Can they be reinstalled now that I put Cyanogenmod on my phone, or could they even be installed on, say, a Samsung phone without MIUI?
LBE and xiaomi launcher
But in foreign countries, usefulness
coderstory said:
LBE and xiaomi launcher
But in foreign countries, usefulness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't need LBE, I don't think much of the whole 'security' app thing on a phone. But would the Launcher bring back the dialler and the messaging? But then I can't use these apps if I decide to keep Catapult launcher?
So I wonder why, for instance, I cannot install the Xiaomi Music app onto my Cyanogenmod. It says app not installed after I download it from the Mi Appstore. Is it missing a framework or something? Or does it just check whether it's in the MIUI environment and bails if it's not?
bluppfisk said:
So I wonder why, for instance, I cannot install the Xiaomi Music app onto my Cyanogenmod. It says app not installed after I download it from the Mi Appstore. Is it missing a framework or something? Or does it just check whether it's in the MIUI environment and bails if it's not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say because its a system app, you have to put it to /system/priv-app via a root Explorer and change permissions to rw r r .
Or can try to put it in /system/app.
Maybe this works.
Does it have the same heat problems that it have with MIUI multilanguage (aka development) version at least? I'm installing stable version right now to test if the heat and throttle in heavy graphics games is still a problem.
L.E. Sorry (very) wrong thread.
bluppfisk said:
Is it possible to install MIUI original apps on Cyanogenmod or any other phone/OS?
Living in China, backing up to the Mi Cloud is easier than to syncing with Google, as it does not require switching on the VPN and thus does not drain the battery waiting for a VPN connection and gets generally higher network speeds.
Also, the dialler and the messaging app have features that are handy for users in China. The messaging app automatically picks up tracking codes from courier services and can track their progress on the official website easily. It also knows which companies use which phone numbers for broadcast messages and automatically assigns logos and names to their messages.
The dialler app comes with phone number tagging. A phone number that is tagged as a scam, telemarketeer or a courier will show up as such so you have a chance to decline or accept an unknown number.
All these features are a little too handy to be missed. Can they be reinstalled now that I put Cyanogenmod on my phone, or could they even be installed on, say, a Samsung phone without MIUI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could always try to look at miui forum for your needs. They have this launcher but if I remember correctly I think there is one more app that brings more of MIUI on any other phone. I dont remember it now. Start diging there, maybe you get what you need.
Try this camera mates:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62516972
rob rich said:
I would say because its a system app, you have to put it to /system/priv-app via a root Explorer and change permissions to rw r r .
Or can try to put it in /system/app.
Maybe this works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked :good:
might be u interested
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xi...ui-framework-features-cloud-services-t3701010
What is LBE?
What is LBE for install miui apks in cm roms?

bad Manners?

Is it bad manners to ask which of the system apps in a custom ROM can be safely uninstalled? I don't want to insult anyone that put in hours and hours of work to make our lives better, But i don't see the need for Chrome and Internet, to list an example.
What you guys think?
Ceahorse said:
Is it bad manners to ask which of the system apps in a custom ROM can be safely uninstalled? I don't want to insult anyone that put in hours and hours of work to make our lives better, But i don't see the need for Chrome and Internet, to list an example.
What you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no its not.. but there are some bad implication for removing some apps.. make sure you know which system app can be removed safely and what are not.
thanks Reyscott1968. I will be certain to ask, Also which is the most common way to remove apps from system. Using a root explorer. or some app.. the system app manager just has the "disable" feature.
Ceahorse said:
thanks Reyscott1968. I will be certain to ask, Also which is the most common way to remove apps from system. Using a root explorer. or some app.. the system app manager just has the "disable" feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use titanium backup or similar app.
best to make a backup of the apps first, then if you change your mind or have an issue, you can put it back.
titanium can also freeze apps, witch is basically the same as deleting but not really gone.

(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.

I've been hacked.

According to facebook report over my mail, someone has entered in to my fb via Xperia XA, Saratoga, CALIFORNIA, US. I am at Europe.
Most likely i was blocked because my phone Ip have changed somehow.Now i cant enter in to my account with msnger and facebook (only from browser) app on my phone. Think the security system is blocking my phone.
Ps: i had to swap Wifi with 4g in order to get access.
Did you use any vpn to access Fb?
Think not, just standart office Wifi connection. And i just check , my office location (according to my laptop is Europe), but according to my phone 4g i am at California ,Saratoga. So whats going on ?
Its something from the phone system, i changed the firmware few days ago, and the phone is encrypted now, so maybe its forcing the apps to connect via VPN network, or who knows...
really ?? my phones comes with greek firmware and now I use south Africa firmware !! is there any problem ?
Have you some apps from unofficial markets like Aptoide? Have you some apps downloaded from file-sharing links or P2P? If yes, don't search away, you probably have a malicious app.
If you are rooted, use a permission manager app, Xprivacy is good for that and allow blocking strange permissions (Facebook, Google accounts, contacts, device ident, ... for an app who don't need them).
rrvuhpg said:
Have you some apps from unofficial markets like Aptoide? Have you some apps downloaded from file-sharing links or P2P? If yes, don't search away, you probably have a malicious app.
If you are rooted, use a permission manager app, Xprivacy is good for that and allow blocking strange permissions (Facebook, Google accounts, contacts, device ident, ... for an app who don't need them).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might have some. How to detect which one is virus ?
hp6830s said:
Might have some. How to detect which one is virus ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Try to re-download apps from trusted sources.
2) Try AVG app integrated in the device to scan it.
3) Use Xprivacy and block unnecessary permissions on suspicious apps, make some test (block/unblock) to understand what mean each permissions. For sample, a game generally don't need root, phone contacts or SMS and needs sensors, storage and Internet.
rrvuhpg said:
1)
3) Use Xprivacy and block unnecessary permissions on suspicious apps, make some test (block/unblock) to understand what mean each permissions. For sample, a game generally don't need root, phone contacts or SMS and needs sensors, storage and Internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nICE,will try that ,got some apps which are not suitable for my device. Think they might be suspicious.
So Xprivacy installs xFrame too ?
hp6830s said:
nICE,will try that ,got some apps which are not suitable for my device. Think they might be suspicious.
So Xprivacy installs xFrame too ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not suitable ?? Big targets to be suspicious are warez/cracked apps.
rrvuhpg said:
Not suitable ?? Big targets to be suspicious are warez/cracked apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One reason I'll never use apps like that in the first place. Just asking for trouble.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs
aidy.lucas said:
One reason I'll never use apps like that in the first place. Just asking for trouble.
Sent from my Xperia XA using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you know what the app is its ok I think !
rrvuhpg said:
Not suitable ?? Big targets to be suspicious are warez/cracked apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea few which i was trying to connect a DSLR and use the phone for shutter remote.
It looks like i have already removed the antivirus app.

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