I wanted to know if there was a way to fool an app that always needs to connect to a server to do a part of it's job. The app is moboclean. It can restrict other apps from being too invasive, simulating some root controls to non-rooted device. I have downloaded some apks and used moboclean to keep them from digging into my contacts and what not, so that part is working fine. But i also wanted to install other apps, and since moboclean always needs to connect to it's own servers, this became a problem. For a couple of weeks moboclean servers were down. So moboclean would not install some recent apks i had. Already wrapped apps could still work, but to initiate a new app with those controls, moboclean won't do it without connecting. For now, seems that the servers are back up since it can now connect again. Moboclean does declare that it downloads it's custom apk of the app i would like it to control, but thats not quite true since it seems to give root control to apps that cannot be found in it's database of custom wrapped apps. Which again only fails sometimes , an example being the firefox app. What i'm trying to portray is that moboclean can work without needing to connect to it's server everytime i want it to wrap up a new app and install it so that i can control some if it's permissions. And since the creator of the app is no longer active, user named "uusafe", or perhaps goes now by a new username, i feel the that very useful app will eventually become useless once it's servers go down for good. Is there a way to make moboclean work without needing to connect online, since that part really doesn't do anything, and it just wraps the app up anyway. Just to force it to do what it does, but skip the connecting part.
As a disclaimer, i'm not exactly sure how everything works in this case. i could be misinterpreting or becoming confused with how some apps work and can be forced to work, but any help and enlightenment would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Related
I have a (4GB) Tronsmart TS7 (some times known as a Alps Glacier TS7). It's a Chinese MTK6589 based phone running Android 4.2 purchased from geekbuying.
For the most part the device is stock, there are next to no pre-installed apps apart from the usual, and the only additional apps I have installed are: Playstation, Steam, ColorNote, Shuttle+, Root Explorer DI Radio, Chrome & Gmail
The problem I have is that there are apps appearing on the device that I am not installing. So far it has been the same set of apps that appear:
Mobo Market
UC Browser
TrustGo Security
DU Battery Saver
337 Game Master
GameCenter
(there may be more)
These apps don't start appearing right after a factory reset, but start to arrive 1-2weeks later. They also seem to be packaged similarly; when I say packaged I mean opening them seems to prompt with the same menu & style (accept licence etc) before it gets to the main app. Also, after you open the app from the app drawer it then creates an icon on the desktop. Maybe opening it actually does the installing?
The apps themselves seem to be legit.
I have factory reset the device (twice), and changed my Google password but they are still appearing. They don't show up in my Play store history so they must be coming from elsewhere.
My main concern is that if it is downloading things without my permission, what might it be uploading ? Not to mention wasting my 3g data etc.
So I have a few questions:
Should I be (really) worried?
Is there a way to monitor this? eg connect to a wifi hotspot and packet capture the network traffic? or maybe use a process monitor (the ones I've tried so far haven't shown anything) to see if there is some sort of script in the background?
Can it be stopped?
Thanks in advance, I would be interested to know if anyone else has/had this problem?
I have the same problem.
I haven't tried flashing some other ROM yet, but I guess that is the only way to get it to stop installing those things.
Have you actually found any other roms to install?
For anybody's information:
You may have noticed how you always end up with a 'Tronsmart.mp4' video file appearing in your gallery app. This is damn annoying since it appears twice, once on the internal and once on the external SD card. There is an '\system\app\CopyTest.apk' file which creates both of these. Should be safe to delete it and thus prevent the file(s) appearing
I have actually decompiled this apk. It works as a service that runs when MEDIA_UNMOUNTED or MEDIA_MOUNTED is invoked, and does absolutely nothing else.
I have the same problem, those random apps installing and the video always in my gallery. I have managed to stop tge apps by using a firewall and allowing only my apps that i want to use the internet. I havent found a solution though to fix the problem. Probably tronsmart is spamming its customers...
mariosm1cy said:
I have managed to stop tge apps by using a firewall and allowing only my apps that i want to use the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Firewall did you use? I might be able to use something like that to pinpoint the app that's causing this.
Sory for the late reply. I am usin "android firewall" free from google play store.
USB debugging disabled stopped it on mine
edit: not that easy, wasn't enough. made some cleanup by disabing/removing some system apps. seems to work so far although there are still some strange events like superuser crashing and right after that system downloader.apk reappearing. haven't seen any other junk coming back
these are the apk's i removed:
systemupdateassistant
systemdownloader
omacp
mtkbt
midtest
galaxy4
fusedlocation
engineermode
engineermodesim
cds_info
basicdreams.
Hi, I have an app which looks like the developer has removed their servers so it always fails the "internet connection" check.
Its IONROAD. A AR driving app.
I paid for the PRO version so its all good. I use an older version not the latest as I hate the latest version.
99% of the app is using the GPS or the camera. It does check the internet for the weather and a few little things.
I've tried it at home while connected to wireless, in the car while connected to Mobile Data, I've uninstalled, reinstalled and updated and all versions fail the internet checks. To me it looks like they closed their servers so the app refuses to work without the internet so it will never work again.
What I want to do is remove that internet check so it will keep working without the need for their servers. If it never connects to the internet it doesn't bother me. I dont care for the current weather in a AR driving app, I care for how close the car in front of me is or if i'm drifting out of the lane I'm in. Absolutely nothing to do with the internet so how do I remove that check?
I have the APK, trying to get it into the Android SDK and not sure how? Even if I do get it there what do I remove?
All I want is that internet check removed. As I said I paid for the app so the licence check always passes as I paid for it.
The dev has abandoned the app, they refuse to reply or update. As they closed their servers I'm guessing they totally abandoned the app.
Any help what to remove and how to remove it? Is it an easy unzip, edit a file then zip and reinstall? Or is it a complete import into SDK, rebuild, test, etc and make a whole new app?
I'm not sure what or how to edit it.
Thanks
BTW, Here is the free version. I have the paid version but I'm guessing its the same.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.picitup.iOnRoad
Here is their website, you can see half the site is down. You cant log in, and every page has a cache/database error.
http://ionroad.com
Nobody knows?
I've tried a few times and cant do it. I've tried out the SDK and a few other apps and cant remove that damn internet check. I thought I removed what was needed but its still not working.
NakedFaerie said:
Hi, I have an app which looks like the developer has removed their servers so it always fails the "internet connection" check.
Its IONROAD. A AR driving app.
I paid for the PRO version so its all good. I use an older version not the latest as I hate the latest version.
99% of the app is using the GPS or the camera. It does check the internet for the weather and a few little things.
I've tried it at home while connected to wireless, in the car while connected to Mobile Data, I've uninstalled, reinstalled and updated and all versions fail the internet checks. To me it looks like they closed their servers so the app refuses to work without the internet so it will never work again.
What I want to do is remove that internet check so it will keep working without the need for their servers. If it never connects to the internet it doesn't bother me. I dont care for the current weather in a AR driving app, I care for how close the car in front of me is or if i'm drifting out of the lane I'm in. Absolutely nothing to do with the internet so how do I remove that check?
I have the APK, trying to get it into the Android SDK and not sure how? Even if I do get it there what do I remove?
All I want is that internet check removed. As I said I paid for the app so the licence check always passes as I paid for it.
The dev has abandoned the app, they refuse to reply or update. As they closed their servers I'm guessing they totally abandoned the app.
Any help what to remove and how to remove it? Is it an easy unzip, edit a file then zip and reinstall? Or is it a complete import into SDK, rebuild, test, etc and make a whole new app?
I'm not sure what or how to edit it.
Thanks
BTW, Here is the free version. I have the paid version but I'm guessing its the same.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.picitup.iOnRoad
Here is their website, you can see half the site is down. You cant log in, and every page has a cache/database error.
http://ionroad.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings and welcome to assist. Unfortunately assist is for guiding new members around the boards only, you really need to ask your question here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help
it should be relatively easy to fix though by decompiling and editing the manifest
Thanks for understanding
Sawdoctor
I have a set of Zenpads that will have random users. I have hooked them all into a single Google account so I can use Find My Phone to track them and to make it a little easier to update apps. I initially locked out some apps and the settings but then realized my random users would not be able to connect to any wifi networks.
When the tablet gets checked back in, I can factory reset it and start over. I have rooted one so I know I can do that if it's necessary. None of the information I've found on multiple users in Lollipop (these run 5.0.2) applies to this tablet, it seems.
I have 25 of these critters to keep track of. They are pretty much open for the user to do whatever. That's fine. What I most need is to be able to keep them hooked up to my Google account and to keep that account from being nuked or accessed. If I can hide most of the settings but still allow access to the wifi networks option, that would be great!
Thanks for your help!
After a lot of rooting and booting, I've determined that what I really want to make happen with these tablets is geolocation more than anything else. Essentially, I want to use Google''s Find Device and keep it running, attached to my admin Google account, regardless of whatever other user logs in. I tried the multi-user account apps after root but they do not keep both users logged in so the Google account gets shut down as soon as the other user logs in.
The paid services/apps are really expensive and have way more than I need to do. I trialed a few of them and found they have a ton of useless features. Even pushing out apps is ridiculous. For example, if I want to push an app to one of my checked out devices, the user still has to log into the play store to download or update the app through their own account. Im basically suggesting to them that they get an app? That seems really goofy to me.
I have started working with Android Studio so I am happy to try coding something. I'm just not sure where to begin. Of course, if something already exists, I'd rather use that!
Hi all, I work at a group home and one of the clients recently purchased an Amazon Fire tablet to facebook chat with his dad.
My issue is that thanks to the crapiness of humanity I know that there's a strong potential for the tablet to grow legs.
Without getting into details, the client cannot have the tablet always in their posession, and we can't conveniently lock it down anywhere, and ideally whoever is supporting him needs to have access to the tablet whenever possible.
I'm wondering if there is an app, or even better, a device, which can cause the tablet to alert my manager the moment the device leaves the property? Ideally something not easily accessed or removed.
I know getting a tablet just for facebook chat is overkill, I wasn't the one who purchased it for the client, I'm just trying to make do with what is available.
theseventensplit said:
Hi all, I work at a group home and one of the clients recently purchased an Amazon Fire tablet to facebook chat with his dad.
My issue is that thanks to the crapiness of humanity I know that there's a strong potential for the tablet to grow legs.
Without getting into details, the client cannot have the tablet always in their posession, and we can't conveniently lock it down anywhere, and ideally whoever is supporting him needs to have access to the tablet whenever possible.
I'm wondering if there is an app, or even better, a device, which can cause the tablet to alert my manager the moment the device leaves the property? Ideally something not easily accessed or removed.
I know getting a tablet just for facebook chat is overkill, I wasn't the one who purchased it for the client, I'm just trying to make do with what is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an Android right?
I had a look at the Amazon store for anti-theft apps but there were none that I recognised from sources I trust (nit that I have researched them, but maybe you can find a reliable review) You have to be certain it's from a trusted source as these type of apps require special permissions eg admin in order to do their job, and could be abused by a malicious app.
I would recommend Cerberus Anti Theft, I used them for years & they have a good reputation, even though Google removed the app form play store. This is because they had to link the Google app to additional downloads in order to maintain the functionality of the app that made it the best, after Google changed what permissions apps could be granted for apps downloaded from Google store.
You can download for Android devices from their website
https://www.cerberusapp.com/
However there is a potential problem with all antitheft apps, ie. Turning off wifi/data means you can't communicate with it(but Cerberus could be activated via SMS), also a factory reset will remove them, so if a knowledgeable person steals a phone/tablet they can remove the antitheft app, so possibly you would have limited time to activate it. Which is why I used to root & install as a system app, which meant only reinstalling the full factory Android operating system to remove it.
There should be the basic "fined my device" on Android built in (I'm not familiar with Amazon variants) but its not very powerful.
I'll look into it, thanks. It does have tracking but unfortunately that wouldn't alert in time to be able to accurately determine who took it.
If Cerberus can do sms then my manager might be able to get immediate notification if it walks away, once it disconnects from wifi
What I don't get is why isn't there a hardware based solution, something that you have connected to your wifi that alerts you if devices in connected to that wifi signal get disconnected. Or even simpler, bluetooth based.
The problem is that tablets don't all have data, and if turned off they lose the anti theft features. So there needs to be something outside of the device itself that can alert the owner. Maybe it's just to specific a problem unfortunately.
theseventensplit said:
What I don't get is why isn't there a hardware based solution, something that you have connected to your wifi that alerts you if devices in connected to that wifi signal get disconnected. Or even simpler, bluetooth based.
The problem is that tablets don't all have data, and if turned off they lose the anti theft features. So there needs to be something outside of the device itself that can alert the owner. Maybe it's just to specific a problem unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PS. You could use Tasker app (or other automation app) on your phone to set up an alert when the tablet losses connection, if you use your phone as a hotspot, I think.
I've never rooted an Android. One of the warnings I see over and over is that rooted devices are more vulnerable to malware. I don't see any solutions for this though.
What extra measures will I need to take to keep my Android safe?
I use Norton 360 on my PC and Androids. Will this be of any help?
Are there any apps I can install to help with this issue?
Are there any system settings I should use for this particular problem?
Thank you
With stock or rooted the biggest threat is the user themselves. Most either install or download the malware themselves. A fully updated stock Android isn't invulnerable; there's no saving dumb bunnies...
Side loaded apps are high risk; at the least scan with online Virustotal and consider the results before installing. Keep email in the cloud and be careful if you choose to download anything.
All downloads stay in the download folder until vetted. Jpeg's and png's are suspect; open them there first before moving them and watch for strange behavior in that folder. Check the download folder daily for anything you didn't download, if found do not open, delete.
Keep thrash social media apps off the phone, all of them. They are targets and vectors for malware of all types.
Use a good firewall and police what apps are doing. Revoke internet access to all apps that don't need it. Know what apps have run at start permissions; do they need it? Updates and upgrades can cause more lost time then malware trying to find work arounds. Lock auto updates down, and download them only if needed. Updates and firmware upgrades can and do break things...
Most importantly cover your six and be prepared.
Critical data can not be lost, protect it!
Redundantly backup all critical data to at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. Be ready to do a full reload if needed.
If malware is found or suspected, isolate the phone and if it can't be completely deleted in an hour or two, nuke that load. Be ready to change passwords and secure accounts.
Never trust antivirus apps to detect malware or save you, mostly they just waste resources on an Android.
Thank you!
I'm already doing a lot of those things, especially social media apps.
One of the reasons I want to root my phone is that I can't uninstall, force stop, disable or take away permissions for some apps, like Facebook, Facebook App installer, FB app manager Google, ad nauseum. The same goes for the millions of preinstalled Samsung bloatware apps. They dont stay disabled and routinely restore permissions. Im sick of having to routinely check them all. I'll never buy another Saamsung again.
You're welcome. Welcome to XDA
I run 2 stock N10+'s, one on Pie, the other on 10.
I use package disabler to kill bloatware and services I don't want to run at bootup. You can also use a adb editing app to disable apks. Don't go too nuts; be wary of disabling any Samsung system apps. Most of these apps just sit unless needed. Dependencies... actions have consequences; understand what the app does and what other apps, services or UI functions are dependent on it!
Google play Services can be disabled when not needed; disable find my device as System Administrator first.
On Pie Karma Firewall is fully functional but not on Android 10 and up, although it will still block access. It uses virtually no battery.
Once you sort it out (learning curve ahead) stock Samsung's especially older ones like the N10+ are easy to run. They are the most customizable stock Android on the planet with an excellent UI. The current load on this one will be 2 yo this June; still fast, stable and fulfilling its mission. Security is simply not an issue.
blackhawk said:
You're welcome. Welcome to XDA
I run 2 stock N10+'s, one on Pie, the other on 10.
I use package disabler to kill bloatware and services I don't want to run at bootup. You can also use a adb editing app to disable apks. Don't go too nuts; be wary of disabling any Samsung system apps. Most of these apps just sit unless needed. Dependencies... actions have consequences; understand what the app does and what other apps, services or UI functions are dependent on it!
Google play Services can be disabled when not needed; disable find my device as System Administrator first.
On Pie Karma Firewall is fully functional but not on Android 10 and up, although it will still block access. It uses virtually no battery.
Once you sort it out (learning curve ahead) stock Samsung's especially older ones like the N10+ are easy to run. They are the most customizable stock Android on the planet with an excellent UI. The current load on this one will be 2 yo this June; still fast, stable and fulfilling its mission. Security is simply not an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The more annoying Samsung apps I was referring to are the Bixby apps, AR doodle, Smarter things... those kind of apps. If they didn't re-enable themselves restore permissions, I wouldn't mind them so much. But they DO.
I won't be using that phone much longer anyway. I'm going back to Motorola.
I always buy factory or globally unlocked phones. That helps some. But Motorola recently started forcing FB. I can uninstall it, however I have to review updates to make sure it doesn't end up on my phone again. But then I review all updates before installing them anyway..
I always look up the system apps before making any changes. Like Google Easter Egg. Everything I could find says it's unnecessary.
All those mentioned apps can be safely disabled.
Bixby Vision is used for barcode scanning though.
Try the free Galaxy store icon packs, themes and the Good Lock family of apps including One Handed Operation plus.
Chose theme>icon pack>whatever wallpaper you want. The native high contrast theme looks good.
Play with it...
blackhawk said:
All those mentioned apps can be safely disabled.
Bixby Vision is used for barcode scanning though.
Try the free Galaxy store icon packs, themes and the Good Lock family of apps including One Handed Operation plus.
Chose theme>icon pack>whatever wallpaper you want. The native high contrast theme looks good.
Play with it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually already ordered a new Moto. It will be here tomorrow. Well, it's after 1am, so I guess it'll be here later today.
I've disabled multiple Samsung apps, restricted data and battery, taken away permissions, not just in app settings, but in permissions setting, special access permissions... And all the other weird ways I keep finding out about that you wouldn't think would be a place to remove permissions. When my phone starts to slow down, or the battery isn't lasting very long, sure enough, Samsung has gone behind my back and reset my preferences again. I never had issues like this any of the Motorola phones I've had.