Re: [Bug-gnuzilla] Android - cannot configure Add-ons - denied permission WRITE_SETTINGS

[x]

I did root the phone (Unlocked, TWRP load, flashed Magisk).

It is a Xiaomi Redmi 4A.

Neither Replicant nor Lineage have official releases for this device.

Of course I have deactivated half (>100 hand picked apps) of the shipped stuff, 
and
blocked all the phoning home I can get a hold of with netstat, via hosts file 
and
AFWall+. I've come far, but am not completely through yet.

Unless I get uBlock origin or uMatrix to work, I consider webbrowsing unsafe
because of the plague of cross site functionality.

Nevertheless I am never loading an unofficially cooced up ROM from anyone from
some dark corners of the internet. I'd rather try to block official chinese
backdoors. But have my hardware supported professionally.

In my view many western "democratic" based OS's contain "malware" all the same.

I wish I could clarify where the problem is. Should MIUI be so non standard 
conform,
that something like browser add-ons for a firefox fork wouldn't work?

I admit, that the error might not be in IcecatMobile. Could be MIUI or
my modifications. But I am asking here, because I am guessing others might have
the same issue. And it would be interesting, if it occurs also in other Android
flavors. Or if it has to do with IceCat

BTW: I could at least grant the other missing permission SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW 
manually
with root terminal:
pm grant org.gnu.icecat android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW



Am Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:19:34
+0300 schrieb Mart Rootamm <address@hidden>:

> Hi.
> 
> The best I can think of, is for you to back up all your information,
> root your phone and then install a compatible version of LineageOS or
> Replicant.
> 
> What is the model of your Xiaomi phone?
> 
> Keep in mind, that non-Android certified phones, and devices with
> brand headquarters in non-democratic countries might come with malware
> preinstalled.
> 
> https://techcrunch.com/2018/05/24/some-low-cost-android-phones-shipped-with-malware-built-in/
> 
> https://blog.avast.com/android-devices-ship-with-pre-installed-malware
> 
> Strictly In terms of nomenclature, that Xiaomi phone runs MIUI 9.5.5.0
> based on AOSP 7.1.2, and is not Android-certified.
> 
> -M.
> 
> 2018-06-12 1:21 GMT +03:00, address@hidden <address@hidden>:
> > Hello,
> >
> > In Android 7.1.2 (MIUI 9.5.5.0) I installed Icecat 52.6.0 from F-Droid.org.
> >
> > I cannot enter "preferences" of e.g. LibreJS addon, and also not of new
> > add-ons I install, e.g. uBlock Origin.
> >
> > Only if I "deactivate" e.g. Gnu LibreJS addon and then "activate" again,
> > "preferences" button is visible for a short time. Even if I click it and
> > change something, it seems, IceCat cannot keep the settings.
> >
> > I never managed even betting dsiplayed uBlock Origin settings, or
> > preferences/settings button under "addons", though.
> >
> > Two permissions are shown "denied permissiona" in Android permissions:
> > - WRITE_SETTINGS
> > - SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW
> >
> > I have tried all I could to grant any permssion. Also with root terminal:
> > pm grant org.gnu.icecat android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS
> >
> > That results in following error:
> > "Operation not allowed: java.lang.SecurityException: Permission
> > android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS is not a changeable permission type."
> >
> > Is this my problem, Xiaomi MIUI 9.5.50 problem, Android 7.1.2 problem or
> > IceCatMobile 52.6.0 problem?
> >
> > Has anyone noticed the same misfunction or is this a known issue?
> >
> > Thank you, cotw
> >
> > --
> > http://gnuzilla.gnu.org
> >  
> 
> --
> http://gnuzilla.gnu.org