Hope this hasn't been posted before but apparently google is blocking rooted phones from accessing the new movies app.
www.androidcentral.com/google-movies-blocked-rooted-devices?utm_source=ac&utm_medium=twitter
probably wouldn't have used this service anyway
but what a BS move by Google
I hope that this isn't starting point for blocking another services on rooted phones (like whole market)..
Seems like some bad logic... They don't want you renting a movie if your phone is rooted, since you might pirate it. However, you would think if one is technical enough to root their phone (or even know that it is an option), they probably know enough to pirate a movie without paying for it in the first place...
Something tells me this isn't Google's idea. I think they've had their arms twisted.
Wonder how an internet connection can tell phone is rooted .
jje
Ayrlupine said:
Something tells me this isn't Google's idea. I think they've had their arms twisted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he said. Movie studios and record companies are a money grabbing greedy lot who will do anything to continue filling their pockets.
I highly doubt this is Google. It goes against their ENTIRE WAY of thinking/operating.
Google don't encourage rooting, but they certainly don't condemn it - because that's one of the joys of open source development.
Google "making" this decision is like Apple, forgetting to patent one of it's products/possible products...and we all know that will never happen!
As (below/above/previous post said) it has to be legalities with the studio companies.
I don't think it's possible to detect you're rooted. If you have root, you have full control over your OS, so you can make some app think it's installed on non-rooted device. No problem, really.
Brut.all said:
I don't think it's possible to detect you're rooted. If you have root, you have full control over your OS, so you can make some app think it's installed on non-rooted device. No problem, really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's pretty easy to detect root actually
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
LancerV said:
It's pretty easy to detect root actually
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mehh, someone will find a loop-hole!
LancerV said:
It's pretty easy to detect root actually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's easy to detect root if OS will let you detect it ;-) E.g. you could look for "su" command or Superuser.apk, but it should be possible to hide them for specific app. Also it should be possible to crack an app, so it won't look for root at all.
Brut.all said:
It's easy to detect root if OS will let you detect it ;-) E.g. you could look for "su" command or Superuser.apk, but it should be possible to hide them for specific app. Also it should be possible to crack an app, so it won't look for root at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. I'm also sure you could move su to another name, and refactor Superuser.apk to use another app name. Then you could create a symlink for su to the new binary, and use a service or daemon to remove it when a particular event occurs.
Or, they could simply be checking ro.secure, which is set in the initramfs...
Related
Hi,
Today I found this document on the german website www.heise.de
This document is a threat analysis of the Android Market.
On page 9 is an overview how many apps have which permissions and there are 9 apps that can brick your phone!!
Does anybody know such an app which can brick the phone?
You should read this: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/burnette/cnet-retracts-article-on-android-app-privacy-threat/1987 and realize its all a scam to get people to buy an iphone.
They where listing one of the option as brick, anybody know if there's such option. and what it does, I doubt it would brick the phone in the real meaning...
either way anything that has a direct connection to the internet and access to your record is a potential risk, it is goog to be aware of this but pointing Android because it list such option is quite ridiculous since other OS doesn't even warn you about the fact that program can read your data...
Link: http://developer.android.com/reference/android/Manifest.permission.html
android.permission.BRICK
Required to be able to disable the device (very dangerous!).
Good lord, WIPE I could see.... BRICK!?
klausdieter79 said:
Link: http://developer.android.com/reference/android/Manifest.permission.html
android.permission.BRICK
Required to be able to disable the device (very dangerous!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's there in the SDK only for testing on the emulator. I'm quite sure none of the actual hardware devices would support it.. or at least I hope not
rohandhruva said:
I think it's there in the SDK only for testing on the emulator. I'm quite sure none of the actual hardware devices would support it.. or at least I hope not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it should be there, at least I have one use for it, an application to remotely lock your phone (or wipe critical information) in case of stole or lost phone. Definitely user should confirm this permission and should only do that if they completely trust the author.
bohlool said:
I think it should be there, at least I have one use for it, an application to remotely lock your phone (or wipe critical information) in case of stole or lost phone. Definitely user should confirm this permission and should only do that if they completely trust the author.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remote locking is different from bricking. It makes no sense to "remotely brick" a stolen device, because then, even if you do get it back, it's useless.
But when you install the app, it has to display the permission
This application has access to the following:
Hardware controls
Brick your phone
rohandhruva said:
I think it's there in the SDK only for testing on the emulator. I'm quite sure none of the actual hardware devices would support it.. or at least I hope not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure there's some kind of app that can potentially brick your phone. No doubt you have to be rooted for it to have access to that ability. Clockwork ROM manager could potentially brick you're phone if you do something stupid (battery pull).
Read the permissions. Don't install what seems suspect. If the app tries to do something it doesn't have permission to do, the OS won't allow it. It's not like another app store where you have to rely on a fallible person to safeguard you.
Oh, and don't freak out when that free game you're looking at asks for internet access and your GPS location. It needs that info to serve you ads so it stays free. Don't be paranoid, nobody really cares about you, never mind enough to stalk you.
ATnTdude said:
I'm sure there's some kind of app that can potentially brick your phone. No doubt you have to be rooted for it to have access to that ability. Clockwork ROM manager could potentially brick you're phone if you do something stupid (battery pull).
Read the permissions. Don't install what seems suspect. If the app tries to do something it doesn't have permission to do, the OS won't allow it. It's not like another app store where you have to rely on a fallible person to safeguard you.
Oh, and don't freak out when that free game you're looking at asks for internet access and your GPS location. It needs that info to serve you ads so it stays free. Don't be paranoid, nobody really cares about you, never mind enough to stalk you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Clockwork ROM Manager application itself can't brick the phone - or at least it won't advertise that it can. The bricking is caused if the flashing process is interrupted, which is (strictly speaking) outside the purview of the app.
Also, what the OP found is just an ability to advertise to the user that installing this app can brick the phone. There is no mechanism by which an apk, running inside the dalvik jvm sandbox, can cause irrevocable hardware damage to the phone - at least none has been found yet.
Your last paragraph about games staying free and paranoia is just off-topic.
rohandhruva said:
The Clockwork ROM Manager application itself can't brick the phone - or at least it won't advertise that it can. The bricking is caused if the flashing process is interrupted, which is (strictly speaking) outside the purview of the app.
Also, what the OP found is just an ability to advertise to the user that installing this app can brick the phone. There is no mechanism by which an apk, running inside the dalvik jvm sandbox, can cause irrevocable hardware damage to the phone - at least none has been found yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You're Splitting hairs. We don't know what criteria the company that produced this study was using. Given that the whole thing was a springboard for advertising the need for their product, they're probably being more loose with the facts than you or I would. I used Clockwork as an example of how they might be interpreting the market.
2) I wasn't arguing against you. I was using your post to segue into my own. So do not take anything I said as something against your position. I, in fact, agree with your statement. I highly doubt a stock Android handset will allow you permission to brick it. I even doubt there is a root-only app that will purposefully brick your phone. I think SMobile Systems is borderline LYING to sell their unneeded product.
Your last paragraph about games staying free and paranoia is just off-topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA attracts a lot more than experts, many of which are not even vaguely familiar with Android permissions are, what app services might need them, nevermind the economics of the Android market. As such, given that I had in the previous sentence advised people to be critical of the permissions that apps request (I don't think most people look at them closely enough), I went the other way and told them not to be so careful as to enter the realm of paranoia. It's balanced advice and is therefore relevant to the topic.
Hopefully, this clears up any confusion. Cheers and good night...err morning, whatever you call 4AM.
ATnTdude, I don't mean to be brandishing swords or arguing.. Sorry if it seemed that way I just realised that the OP started this topic out of that stupid SMobile article. Had I read that before, I wouldn't have 'split hairs'! My bad :-/
luffyz said:
but when you install the app, it has to display the permission
this application has access to the following:
hardware controls
brick your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahhahaha +1
@klausdieter79 Thanks for the link
I also hope it is not included in the regular phone library, I can easilly imagine someone granting this by mistake
Let's wait for someone to upload a one button app named accelerate and the only permission requested will be brick...
P00r said:
@klausdieter79 Thanks for the link
I also hope it is not included in the regular phone library, I can easilly imagine someone granting this by mistake
Let's wait for someone to upload a one button app named accelerate and the only permission requested will be brick...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty much 100% certain you would have to have a rooted ROM for that to work...in which case, you probably know better than to install an app that requests permission to brick your phone
rohandhruva said:
ATnTdude, I don't mean to be brandishing swords or arguing.. Sorry if it seemed that way I just realised that the OP started this topic out of that stupid SMobile article. Had I read that before, I wouldn't have 'split hairs'! My bad :-/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured as much. It's all good.
ATnTdude said:
Oh, and don't freak out when that free game you're looking at asks for internet access and your GPS location. It needs that info to serve you ads so it stays free. Don't be paranoid, nobody really cares about you, never mind enough to stalk you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OT, but I would be a little pissed if a developer was wasting my battery with GPS just to serve up targeted ads. There's no reason they couldn't use the much more battery efficient network location for that.
Found this today, just thought I would share. Some of us might have an app or two on this list.
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archive...tm_campaign=Feed:+readwriteweb+(ReadWriteWeb)
Interesting read. Thank you.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA Premium App
Isn't Android Linux? So why is it getting malwares?! lol.
Also, I can't believe the fact that I have to install an antivirus App on my phone is closer to becoming the reality.
PaiPiePia said:
Isn't Android Linux? So why is it getting malwares?! lol.
Also, I can't believe the fact that I have to install an antivirus App on my phone is closer to becoming the reality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any OS can be a target for viruses or malware. With Android becoming rather popular it's now becoming a target. People making viruses and malware programs want to hit a larger target not a smaller target.
Thanks for sharing the info.
Sent from my Loki powered Vibrant via the XDA App
Mallware? You mean apps that do autonomous shopping? That's what your significant other is for. Can't replace 'em with an app!
Scoobyracing03 said:
PaiPiePia said:
Isn't Android Linux? So why is it getting malwares?! lol.
Also, I can't believe the fact that I have to install an antivirus App on my phone is closer to becoming the reality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any OS can be a target for viruses or malware. With Android becoming rather popular it's now becoming a target. People making viruses and malware programs want to hit a larger target not a smaller target.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read about this on engadget & androidcentral had provided a list on which apps it was. AFAIK, I would've never downloaded those apps but one can never be too careful when it comes to personal information. I just installed Lookout a few mins ago.
I hate bastards that make virus's and stuff just to be funny. I would like to shove their phone up their butt. nah they might like it
Luckily, my edition of Common Sense 2011 works for Android too!
Xan_Kriegor said:
Luckily, my edition of Common Sense 2011 works for Android too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If only that were shareware, then everyone could have some.
Sent from my Loki powered Vibrant via the XDA App
PaiPiePia said:
Isn't Android Linux? So why is it getting malwares?! lol.
Also, I can't believe the fact that I have to install an antivirus App on my phone is closer to becoming the reality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
android is unix based, but the thing is, the apps can run in the background.
The affected apps use the rageagainstthecage exploit to gain root, then run scripts in the background to get specific information (at least that's what they've identified so far). The thing is, anything (from what i originally heard) below 2.2.1 was able to have an app run the rageagainstthecage exploit or exploid exploit ran without any user interference, but apparently it is not pre-gingerbread.
Xan_Kriegor said:
Luckily, my edition of Common Sense 2011 works for Android too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We need to copies of the 2011 edition out to everyone now!!!!!
Where's that rapper fellow when you need him?!
I help you guys out there ,everythime u download app from market look under what it controls ect u download task killer and in description says it controls network data ,i dont think so budddy ,do the math ppl
Besides that, carefully checking permissions, keep an eye out for those apps very easily by not allowing apps to get root. I actually downloaded an app a couple of weeks ago that asked for root.... Don't think so buddy. Uninstalled immediately, went to the market, rated it one star and made a comment about it! Thankfully we have a very well made super user app that asks whether you want to grant root privileges every time.
Quite frankly you have to be asking for it, giving root to any app.
bartek25 said:
I help you guys out there ,everythime u download app from market look under what it controls ect u download task killer and in description says it controls network data ,i dont think so budddy ,do the math ppl
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bartek! The voice of reason.
Sent from my Loki powered Vibrant via the XDA App
lol i reached my thanks limit for today but tomo you get two Br1cK'd
Anyone using any that's good? I was using lookout, but I found it obtrusive and I want something worthwhile.
IlPapu said:
Anyone using any that's good? I was using lookout, but I found it obtrusive and I want something worthwhile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being these phones are Linux based most "virus" that are downloaded and installed (with user permission i remind you) are mal-ware.
There is no real reason to need one.
Just make sure you know where the apps are coming from and you shouldn't have a problem.
neidlinger said:
Being these phones are Linux based most "virus" that are downloaded and installed (with user permission i remind you) are mal-ware.
There is no real reason to need one.
Just make sure you know where the apps are coming from and you shouldn't have a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated in AC/AF forum. You have to understand the biggest threat *nix based system faces comes from the user itself who are danger to the system as they don't understand it. Now by default how the permission base structure was setup was designed to limit the access from rouge script or execute shell which was place remotely. For it to happen it didn't magically came on the local host it was done with the permission of the user unknowingly as they basically gave the rights away. This is why we say to new users not to run under usr root as even sufficient @wheel access they can do damage.
So when you download app specially you know who and you know where becareful make sure you read the permission that you grant the apps as it can connect, update, upload contents. Far as this thread goes its useless as virus scanner just waste resource which can be overcome with little caution or avoided totally with common sense.
You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android aslong as you dont let everything under the sun have its way with superuser. Theres not much that can go wrong past wipeing your contacts or something but thats a quick refresh on sync and there back. Really all u need is a good device finder something that can help you recover a stolen device or what ever. I use Mobile Defence and its almost out of beta so should be available on the market soon.
SoltyPK said:
You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android aslong as you dont let everything under the sun have its way with superuser. Theres not much that can go wrong past wipeing your contacts or something but thats a quick refresh on sync and there back. Really all u need is a good device finder something that can help you recover a stolen device or what ever. I use Mobile Defence and its almost out of beta so should be available on the market soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you even know what your talking about? Wiping contacts? Where did you get that from? That's least of the worst fear far as you know it can dail in some 900 number and charge you whatever money they want. They can even data mine and steal other info but antivirus wont help you only way you can be safe is follow common sense and not giving permission to things that's suspicious and asking for access to things it has no need for access to.
Sent from my HTC Glacier
SoltyPK said:
You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ. Just using one news source .. and articles from the last 30 days, I found the following Andriod malware news stories:
Infected Androids Run Up Big Texting Bills
Mobile Spyware Conferences Into Your Calls
New Android Malware Robs Bandwidth For Fake Searches
Security Warning Over Web-Based Android Market
Android isn't Windows, but it is susceptible to attack. It is a growing market (300,000+ phones activated daily), filled with non-technical, clueless users, as well.
Here's one more, from another news source, from yesterday. Fifty apps. Five-Zero. In Android Market:
Google Removes More Malware from Android Market
The only alternative app market I've ever seen is appbrain, and that re-routes you to the standard market. Why would you use something other than the android market? Outside of pirated apps, it seems pretty pointless. Am I missing something?
Well thats the beauty of open community even if anything does show up it is quickly identified and users blow the whistle on it. Other than that you need walgarden based market like Apple's App Store which takes time and forever to post as this is fine as is. This is why user recommendation is important and mostly everyone use similar.
Far as virus thing goes its pure void I mean if it was identified then the source wouldn't be available in first place. You DON'T need anything as thats what they want you to think as they pray on your fear to buy these BS app which you don't even need with little caution you can be safe.
^^^^ lol Blackshelf is never wrong
.. at least that's what he thinks... ARROGANT
sent from my rooted mytouch 4g
surfnhawaii808 said:
^^^^ lol Blackshelf is never wrong
.. at least that's what he thinks... ARROGANT
sent from my rooted mytouch 4g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why don't you prove me wrong here? are you actually trying to debate this? Last time I checked I was the one behind *nix system for past 12+ years. Thats like driving your car with your eyes closed and when you get in accident you blame the car, no you only have yourself to blame. As this same concept apply for system. Fine lets drop this subject ill let you prove your own point so did you ever find the docs about your "VICC 4G Sim Card"? How did that go for ya? how do I get one? will you sell me one for $9.99? lol
So since I don't need antivirus, and mal-ware is all I am looking for, what then is the best methods for telling if an App is laced with mal-ware? I am very careful in what I grant SU access and look at the permission before I install. I usually install from the app market. Any other helpful hints?
Well when you need something as the community for recommendations on which app would be appropriate for your need I mean if you Google it you will find answer as I'm sure someone asked, this way based on top pick what everyone use you can get.
Second is be cautious and what I mean by that is look for abnormalities like the app is asking for permission which wouldn't have news for to function.
Third is the most important part to where you get it ask you can reduce the risk by downloading from app market and not downloading from 3rd party of by pirated *.apk's as you wont know where it came from or what it contained.
If you follow these simple methods you can reduce the risk factor by large margin, now I am no fool I know you still can get it even after this but this way it wont be long before someone blow the whistle on it and app gets pulled from the market. This is just common sense you should follow.
Sent from my HTC Glacier
Antivirus software?
The most widely used free anti-virus software is AVG from Grisoft which makes money by selling virus protection to small businesses. To promote this, it offers domestic users a very professional free version which allows regular updates.
Hi there,
I am debating if I should root my Atrix or not. I checked out few posts and they seem a bit complecated. Also, I found this article saying carriers will track down rooted devices and restricted services.
By the way, can I still install some of Motorola o/s for dock stations? I have a multimedia and a car dock.
http://www.mydroidworld.com/forums/...rooting-manufacturers-carriers.html#post65013
Any thoughts?
No one will track you down and restrict you. And it's very safe to root.
Just for apps like Adfree which kills advertisements, this is reason enough for me to root! Not to mention super helpful things like customer recovery to back things up, the ability to sideload (install non-market apps if you're on AT&T), etc.
Android is quite open source but rooting opens up another amazing realm of extremely essential apps.
bongd said:
No one will track you down and restrict you. And it's very safe to root.
Just for apps like Adfree which kills advertisements, this is reason enough for me to root! Not to mention super helpful things like customer recovery to back things up, the ability to sideload (install non-market apps if you're on AT&T), etc.
Android is quite open source but rooting opens up another amazing realm of extremely essential apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will take your word for it then! Just kidding. Would you be able recommend any good root techniques on the forum? I think there are few methods and am not sure which one is the best.
Thank you!
I say root it. I rooted mine and i love it this way. I had mine for only two days before I rooted it. I was a little nervous at first and felt that i really didnt want to do it, but the benefits were too great with a rooted phone than without a rooted phone. I am on the AT&T network and i hate it when someone tries to tell me what I can't do with something I purchased. Trust me when i say that you are going to want software that is not in the market as well.
And... I really, really love the fact that I don't need to be docked to use my WebTop.
Again... i say root it.
janggu said:
I will take your word for it then! Just kidding. Would you be able recommend any good root techniques on the forum? I think there are few methods and am not sure which one is the best.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gladroot. It's the easiest and can enable tethering and sideloading as well.
You must be on 1.2.6 to root. You can run their first script which will root it. You can then do AT&T's download and run their second script which will root that too. BOOM!
It shouldn't take any longer than 10 minutes.
Well... there was that one thing where AT&T is supposedly locking out, or might be locking out phones that have been determined to be rooted. But the fact of the matter is, if they do that with absolutely no reason other than the phone being rooted, i'm sure you'll see a class action lawsuit about it since rooting/jailbreaking a cell phone is legal now according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The only reason i can see them disabling service is if you root it, and use one of the alternate methods of tethering, and wind up using a TON of bandwidth.... well over what anyone would even remotely do on just the phone if they didn't have any tethering package or way to tether. Then you'd basically be using their networks in a way that could be deemed illegal. But there's no issue with just rooting it to use applications not approved by the carrier or phone manufacturer.
Would you want to be admin on your own computer?
I think rooting is a must. The use of sideloading alone is worth it. I would hate to not be able to use the Amazon Appstore, Ive really come to like it.
One thing to mention though. The Blockbuster app detects root and wont allow content to be purchased because of DRM concerns. I dont know if this will be a problem with future apps.
Yeah, I did!
I rooted my Atrix with "gladroot" last night. Can't wait to customize it now.
Thank you very much for your valid inputs everyone!!!
Where are these non market apps that everyone speaks of
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
JohnnyDanger said:
One thing to mention though. The Blockbuster app detects root....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's Blockbuster? ;-)
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I know right. I was just using that as an example. Never know what might be blocked next.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I know when I jailbroke the iPhone you had to set a password via SSH so random people couldn't hack into your phone and hijack it.
Does the same vulnerability exist on a rooted Atrix? I know you get the notification that SU is being requested and you can deny it, but is there an IP back door as well that is "silent"?
Generally speaking, should people change/set and SU password? I've read some horror stories about it so far, so I'm not sure that's the right way to go.
Thanks
Afaik there is no way to set a su password. lookout security will scan all apps on your phone and when you downlad to prevent malicious software. There are several others but Lookout is my fav.
the reason the iphone requires this is that it is running SSHD always. the atrix doesnt run sshd unless you install an app to do so.
I was under the impression that "lookout " and the like are at best useless, and at worst, malware in and of themselves... no?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I thought so too at one point
dmdmd said:
I was under the impression that "lookout " and the like are at best useless, and at worst, malware in and of themselves... no?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but lookout has gotten good marks from every point of review I've seen thus far, including friends and colleagues who've used it personally. While there is little in the way of malware for lookout to catch, it has been updated quickly to catch all the known malware out there.
I also had the same concern with su as a previously jailbroken IP4 owner. The difference here is the java layer. All java apps that try to gain root will have to go through the 'superuse' app that accompanies the installation of 'su'. 'superuser' will ask you to approve the privilege escalation of each app that requests it. I don't know enough about android to know if native apps will come with this same restriction or not. If you shell into your phone, however, nothing stops you from running 'su' yourself.
Pirateghost said:
the reason the iphone requires this is that it is running SSHD always. the atrix doesnt run sshd unless you install an app to do so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly this here. An Android phone doesn't have this daemon (aka thing that runs in the background) like jailbroken iPhones do, so there is nothing to password protect. Just gotta make sire someone doesn't plug your phone into their computer if you have usb debugging enabled... lol.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
no such requirement
because there is no server app for SSH thus no way to access to your phone via LAN
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App