Help "Chameleon" what is it?

[rastadeucy]

I have a samsung prevail lte. I dont really use it for making phone calls so i dont have a service provider per se. I use the talkatone app. Anyway, i mainly use this phone for entertainment purposes like youtube and internet surfing. I have run out of space in device and sd storage so i was looking for what files i can delete and i stumbled upon an application or file in my phone i didnt know what it was. So i looked it up. Chameleon. What i found is somewhat confusing to me. I am not a techie. But if i understood anything i believe i was informed that Chameleon is spyware/maleware. So then i looked up about how to root my phone and all kinds of tech talk that i dont know or understand, but i was informed that if i dont really know what i am doing i could reall mess my phone up by rooting it. What is Chameleon? How can i remove it from my phone?

 

[Hadron]

Have you tried just uninstalling it?

I've done a quick search and found a launcher and an "entertainment portal" by that name, nothing malwareish in the first page of results. So if you are worried about it could you share the information that worries you?

 

[rastadeucy]

Chameleon: the Wi-Fi Virus That Hides in Plain Sight and Spreads Like a Cold. https://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/chameleon-wifi-virus/
This is what i read that has me nervous. All i could figure to do is force stop. But there is no option to uninstall.

 

[bcrichster]

I believe Chameleon is part of or IS an OS used by many phones for Boost Mobile.. The "Chaos" ROM (Chameleon OS) is pretty much from the same ppl/Devs

 

[rastadeucy]

I believe Chameleon is part of or IS an OS used by many phones for Boost Mobile.. The "Chaos" ROM (Chameleon OS) is pretty much from the same ppl/Devs

So you dont think it is anything malicious?

 

[Hadron]

But a user who doesn't know about rooting isn't likely to be using a ROM.

 

[bcrichster]

So you dont think it is anything malicious?

Absolutely not. In fact, it's most likely required for proper function.

 

[rastadeucy]

But a user who doesn't know about rooting isn't likely to be using a ROM.

Honestly, i dont even know what a ROM is. I am an infant when it comes to technology in the world today. I just know some basics. The main thing i was trying to accomplish is to make some space in my storage to be able to download some games, movies, and music. In the process I try to investigate what apps and files i find in my phone to determine their purpose and whether or not they are safe to uninstall so i can make more room. In doing so, i have apparently confused myself even more. But i guess i will never learn what is what if i didnt go through this process. Which is also why i signed up to this forum, so i could learn what i am doing, or what to do or not to do.

 

[Hadron]

So are you using Boost (carrier)? Do you have the option to uninstall the app? And what was it makes you think it is malicious?

 

[rastadeucy]

So are you using Boost (carrier)? Do you have the option to uninstall the app? And what was it makes you think it is malicious?

Yes it is a Boost phone. I have not had any service on it for some time now though. I have tried to uninstall Boost Zone and a couple other Boost applications before but the keep reinstalling. Yes i have tried to find an uninstall option for Chameleon but i am only given the options to force stop and turn off, but turn off is always highlighted in grey making it not an option. I have forced stop but when i go back to it is still running

 

[bcrichster]

Yes it is a Boost phone. I have not had any service on it for some time now though. I have tried to uninstall Boost Zone and a couple other Boost applications before but the keep reinstalling. Yes i have tried to find an uninstall option for Chameleon but i am only given the options to force stop and turn off, but turn off is always highlighted in grey making it not an option. I have forced stop but when i go back to it is still running

Seriously, don't mess with it. [emoji6] It's most likely an important file required for that OS. The boost zone crap is forces to install due to MobileID.apk or something similar. Uninstall that MobileID.apk and Boost zone.apk should stop installing itself

 

[rastadeucy]

Ok. Thank you for your input. I guess i will just leave it alone.

 

[Hadron]

I've just spotted your McAfee link earlier in the thread. That is nothing to do with Android, so if it's that that was worrying you then you can forget about it.

 

[bcrichster]

I've just spotted your McAfee link earlier in the thread. That is nothing to do with Android, so if it's that that was worrying you then you can forget about it.

The way he put it earlier was that he was trying to debloat..

 

[Hadron]

I was thinking about why he thought Chameleon was malware, and the McAfee link is about a router malware of that name.