News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Android wallpaper app that steals your data was downloaded by millions. Parent comment

Re:Android wallpaper app that steals your data was downloade... by cludwin on Thursday July 29, 2010 @01:26AM (#1556720)
Again since the article doesn't mention which app was malicious it's hard to say but when I looked up the wallpaper apps developed by "jackeey,wallpaper" I see the apps requiring the following permissions:

android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION

android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE

android.permission.INTERNET

android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE

android.permission.SET_WALLPAPER

android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

It seems strange for a wallpaper app to require internet access.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Android wallpaper app that steals your data was downloade... by Zak on Thursday July 29, 2010 @07:43AM (#1557257)
A wallpaper app is likely to need the ability to download new wallpapers. I'm not sure why it would need your location though.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Android wallpaper app that steals your data was downloade... by tvon on Thursday July 29, 2010 @11:45AM (#1557944)
It wouldn't need it, but it could be used to find wallpapers relevant to your location (photos).
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Android wallpaper app that steals your data was downloade... by Tichy on Thursday July 29, 2010 @03:29AM (#1556890)
I must admit I didn't know that READ_PHONE_STATE includes browsing history. But I don't know what is the message shown to the user.

I have decided to not install apps that ask for too much several times.

Maybe another way to categorize the security rights is needed.

[ Parent | on HN ]