Build in malware

wizardofid

wizardofid

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Since I got my dixon tablet, I have been getting pop up ads every time I connect to the internet, didn't think much of it at the time and just left it at that.Today I decided I have had enough and should be fixed, installed malware bytes and low and behold it finds two malware that is actually part of the rom.

Needless to say I am not impressed, So what does one do now ? It's still under warranty with takealot, which will likely need a lot of explaining that the device has malware that comes as default with the device.I am quite happy with the device other then the annoyance of pop up ads that install useless apps if you don't exactly press the close button on the ad, the ads are based on location.

Annoyingly I am quite happy with the tablet, takealot is only going to find no fault or simply refund, and they don't have any replacement tablets worth it.So I keeping malware bytes installed, since I can neither disable or replace as they are system apps and part of the rom.

How does one go about fixing the issue, because if you do root you will end up with malware you can neither delete or disable and you open the door for some thing much worse, besides I don't use the tablet for any thing sensitive like banking or such, so should be fine otherwise.I did remove all permissions on the browser as I don't use any ways, and settings icon it wrong which leads me to believe I can be removed as the real settings app, has a cog wheel.

xQzNtXr.jpg
 
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You've got the original chinese flavor of the OS, see if there is a lineageOS version and flash that on.
 
wizardofid said:
Since I got my dixon tablet, I have been getting pop up ads every time I connect to the internet, didn't think much of it at the time and just left it that.Today I decided I have has enough and should be fixed, installed malware bytes and low and behold it finds two malware that is actually part of the rom.

Needless to say I am not impressed, So what does one do now ? It's still under warranty with takealot, which will likely need a lot of explaining that the device has malware that comes as default with the device.I am quite happy with the device other then the annoyance of pop up ads that install useless apps if you don't exactly press the close button on the ad, the ads are based on location.

Annoyingly I am quite happy with the tablet, takealot is only going to find no fault or simply refund, and they don't have any replacement tablets worth it.So I keeping malware bytes installed, since I can neither disable or replace as they are system apps and part of the rom.

How does one go about fixing the issue, because if you do root you will end up with malware you can neither delete or disable and you open the door for some thing much worse, besides I don't use the tablet for any thing sensitive like banking or such, so should be fine otherwise.I did remove all permissions on the browser as I don't use any ways, and settings icon it wrong which leads me to believe I can be removed as the real settings app, has a cog wheel.

View attachment 539367
Click to expand...

This seems to be standard practice with off-brand Chinese phones and tablets. :( I guess it's due to razor thin margins, they have to generate revenue elsewhere. I bought a phone a while back with a very similar issue.

Not exactly clear on how Rooting works, but is it not perhaps possible to reverse it once you've fixed what you need to?

On the other hand, I see in this case the Trojan appears to be embedded in the Settings and Browser App. Don't know if there's any coming back from that, you can't remove them completely, so you'd have to find a way to replace them.
 
Which is annoying, they don't affect the system, there is actually an additional one called googlesyn which has been disabled, by play protect.Googlesyn and settings can be removed the problem child is going to be browser, not sure a ADB push will be possible while rooted, if you delete it you going to end up bricking the tablet.The tablet doesn't get used for any thing sensitive any ways, so not worried, all that much.

This is the information page, notice that system update is conveniently not there.
7ivF36D.jpg

d98cMpi.jpg

mqEB3I8.jpg
 
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I did manage to find the manufacture http://www.sawink.com.cn/product1.php?id=31&fid=3&h=1

Also sent an email to sawink and to cash crusaders as they are the official guys importing the tablets to see what can be done, still it isn't the end of the world.Just think I will not be accessing the web on this tablet, I have another tablet so no biggie :)
 
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wizardofid said:
I did manage to find the manufacture http://www.sawink.com.cn/product1.php?id=31&fid=3&h=1

Also sent an email to sawink and to cash crusaders as they are the official guys importing the tablets to see what can be done, still it isn't the end of the world.Just think I will not be accessing the web on this tablet, I have another tablet so no biggie :)
Click to expand...

Chipest: MTK8321/SC7731 Quad core, 1.3Ghz
ROM: 1GB (2GB optional)
RAM: 8GB（16GB/32GB optional ）
LCD: 1024x600 Screen Panel
Touch panel: P+G 5 point touch
Battery: 5000mah
Cameras: 0.3+0.3/2.0/5.0mega optional
Click to expand...

Cringe. The product information image is "correct" though...
 
wizardofid said:
Considering you can expand via SDcard isn't all that bad with android 6 you can use the SD card as internal storage :) Only difference is it has a 1280 x 800 IPS screen.
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No, the RAM ROM thing.

Still not sure how you can use less than 2GB RAM in a device, doesn't handle music + browsing, at least not in my old phone. :p
 
Johnatan56 said:
No, the RAM ROM thing.

Still not sure how you can use less than 2GB RAM in a device, doesn't handle music + browsing, at least not in my old phone. :p
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Lol Actually does pretty darn well with 1GB ram.

None the less
Cash crusaders is on point and professional, I didn't even provide my takealot order number or any thing, they had all the information on hand.I expect takealot to be rather useless....

Good Morning M****

I have contacted Takealot, they will call you regarding this product and make all necessary arrangements.
Your Order ID for the tablet is *******.

Thank You
Click to expand...
 
Takealot didn't bother to phone back, or any follow up emails or any thing. So meh. Just going to leave it at that, it's not a big issue it's annoying but I can live with it.

Also decided to try my hand at removing the fake settings and googlesyn apps, tried every possible rooting method available.Tablet can't be rooted via traditional methods.Apparently the adware won't work if you change the language to Chinese or set it to use a IP address rand in the China.It's entirely possible that the tablet can be rooted if the language is changed to Chinese, so I need to dot and take screenshots of the relevant menu's so the language can be changed back easily again.

The only other method is to find a firmware, but that requires opening the tablet and getting the MB and chipset info.
 
backstreetboy said:
I assume this tablet will also have the same malware? https://www.cashcrusaders.co.za/new-goods/promo-119/dixon-10-quad-core-hd-tablet/stockcode10356 Looking for a cheap tablet as a gift for someone and Gearbest will take too long.
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Nope i got the older version this is the new version, with android 7, should be just fine. That said it really is awesome tablet, but cheap as chips quality wise.

The one I have just has spamware on it, basically have pop ups ads, nothing major but annoying all the same.
Sits in a box and being used as a back up during loading shedding, so still useful.

Pity about gearbest same price range you could get the specs doubled in that price range :(
 
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