Disable BigBrother features

[yifanlu]

I don't know if this is damaging in any way, but I just added

exit;

on line 2. Is anything on the OS dependent on showlog? Aka, will this brick the kindle?

[meem]

exit will be a nice idea, but need some careful.
ebs .. is it ok ?

[meem]

What about this ? :

cat /var/local/eink/usid

[meem]

Here is my original showlog file:

http://mobileread.com/forums/attachm...1&d=1281688555

Can you modify it for me ?

PHP Code:

#!/bin/sh

CONF=/etc/tinyrot.conf
NEXTFILETOSEND=/var/local/log/nexttosendfile
LASTFILESENT=/tmp/lastsentfile

_DEVTYPE=/etc/sysconfig/devtypes
[ -f $_DEVTYPE ] && . $_DEVTYPE

_FEATURE=/etc/rc.d/features
[ -f $_FEATURE ] && . $_FEATURE
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
# functions
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

print_usage () {
    echo "showlog will print all available logs, including old rotated logs"
    echo "Usage:"
    echo "showlog [-f [logfile] | -o <outfile> [logfile] | -s ] "
    echo "    -f              follow log (tail -f)"
    echo "    -o <outfile>    cat all available logfile(s) to outfile (default: outfile=/dev/stdout)"
    echo "    -s              cat the zipped log files with special headers to pipe to the server"
    echo "      --full           sending all available logs"
    echo "      --fsn            sending logs non anonymously for Costumer Services"
    echo "    logfile         logfile to show (default: logfile=messages)"
    echo ""
    echo "NOTE: Don't use the full path. Just mention the file name"
    echo "Example: showlog messages"
    exit 1
}

print_stream_header () {
    NUMFILES=$1
    echo "MFBS/1.0 $NUMFILES"
    echo ""
}

print_gzip_header () {
    if [ -z $1 -o -z $2 ]; then
        echo "showlog: print_gzip_header: incorrect arguments"
        exit
    fi
    CONTENTLENGTH=$1
    CONTENTNAME=$2
    echo "Content-Length: $CONTENTLENGTH"
    echo "Content-Name: $CONTENTNAME"
    echo "Content-Type: GZIP"
    echo "Content-Encoding: GZIP"
    name=`productid`
    echo "X-DeviceType: `eval echo \\\${DEVTYPE_$name}`"
    echo "X-DeviceFirmwareVersion:`cat /etc/version.txt  | grep Version | awk '{print $4 }' | sed 's/\([0-9a-zA-Z]*\)-.*-\(.*\)/\2\1/'`"
}

print_gzip_header_dsn () {
    print_gzip_header $1 $2
    echo "X-DSN: `cat /proc/usid`"
    echo ""
}

print_gzip_header_anon () {
    print_gzip_header $1 $2
    echo "X-Anonymous-Tag: `cat /etc/guid`"
    echo ""
}

print_gzip_files_anon () {
    ALLFILES=$*
    for FILE in $ALLFILES
    do
        CONTENTNAME=$FILE
        CONTENTLENGTH=$(ls -l $FILE | awk '{print $5}')
        print_gzip_header_anon $CONTENTLENGTH $CONTENTNAME
        # NOTE: cat'ing raw gzip file
        cat $FILE
    done
}

print_gzip_files_dsn () {
    ALLFILES=$*
    for FILE in $ALLFILES
    do
        CONTENTNAME=$FILE
        CONTENTLENGTH=$(ls -l $FILE | awk '{print $5}')
        print_gzip_header_dsn $CONTENTLENGTH $CONTENTNAME
        # NOTE: cat'ing raw gzip file
        cat $FILE
    done
}

get_inode () {
    FILE=$1
    return `ls -i $FILE 2>/dev/null | awk '{print $1;}'`
}

wait_for_file() {
    FILE=$1
    while [ ! -f $FILE ]; do
        sleep 1
    done
}

follow_log () {
    LOG=$1

    while [ 1 ]; do
        wait_for_file $LOG
        tail -f $LOG &
        TAILPID=$!
        get_inode $LOG
        FILEINODE=$?
        while [ 1 ]; do
            get_inode $LOG
            NEWINODE=$?
            if [ $FILEINODE -ne $NEWINODE ]; then
                kill $TAILPID
                break
            fi

            sleep 1
        done
    done
}


on_term ()
{
    kill $TAILPID 2>/dev/null >/dev/null
    exit 0
}

# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
# main
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

trap 'on_term' TERM INT EXIT

[ -f $CONF ] && . $CONF

if [ x$1 == "x--help" -o x$1 == "x-h" ]; then
    print_usage
    exit 1
fi

# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
# parse args
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUTFILE=/dev/stdout
GZIP_HEADER_TYPE=print_gzip_files_anon
SENDING_GZIP=
SENDING_FULL=0
LOG="messages"
    
while [ "$1" != "" ]; do
    __ARG=
    case $1 in
        -f )
            if [ x$2 == "x" ]; then
                LOG="messages"
            else
                LOG=$2
            fi
            follow_log /var/log/$LOG
            # we dont come back here..
            exit
            ;;
        -o )
            shift
            if [ x$1 != "x" ]; then
                OUTFILE="$1"
            fi
            echo "" > $OUTFILE 2>/dev/null
            shift
            ;;
        -s )
            SENDING_GZIP=1
            shift
            ;;
        --full )
            SENDING_FULL=1
            shift
            ;;
        --fsn )
            GZIP_HEADER_TYPE=print_gzip_files_dsn
            shift
            ;;
        -h | --help )
            print_usage
            exit
            ;;
        * )
            LOG=$1
            ;;
    esac
    SHOWLOG_ARGS=$__ARGS
done


# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
# calculate the number of files to send/show (NUMFILES) and their names
# (ALLFILES)
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMFILES=0
ALLFILES=

# prevent tinyrot from starting after that point 
touch $FLAG_TINYROT_LOCK

# Not sending log to server (not coming from pipelog
if [ x$SENDING_GZIP == "x" ] ; then
    ALLFILES=`ls -1  $ARCHIVE_DIR/${LOG}_*.gz | xargs`
    if [ -n "$ALLFILES" ]; then
        zcat $ALLFILES >> $OUTFILE
    fi
    cat /var/log/$LOG >> $OUTFILE
else # coming from pipelog
    # Sending partial logs
    if [ x$SENDING_FULL == "x0" ] && [ -e $ARCHIVE_DIR/${LOG}_${OLDEST_FILE} ] ; then
        OLDEST_LZ=`cat $ARCHIVE_DIR/${LOG}_${OLDEST_FILE}`
    
        if [ -e $NEXTFILETOSEND ]; then
            OLDEST_LZ=`cat $NEXTFILETOSEND`
        fi

        YOUNGEST_LZ=`cat $ARCHIVE_DIR/${LOG}_${YOUNGEST_FILE}`
        COUNTER_LZ=$OLDEST_LZ

        OLDEST=`echo $OLDEST_LZ|sed 's/[0]*\(.*\)/\1/g'`
        YOUNGEST=`echo $YOUNGEST_LZ|sed 's/[0]*\(.*\)/\1/g'`
        COUNTER=`echo $COUNTER_LZ|sed 's/[0]*\(.*\)/\1/g'`
    

        while [ ${COUNTER} -lt ${YOUNGEST} ]; do
            FILE=$ARCHIVE_DIR/${LOG}_${COUNTER_LZ}_*.gz
            if [ -e $FILE ]; then
                ALLFILES="$ALLFILES $FILE"
                NUMFILES=$(($NUMFILES+1))
            fi
            COUNTER=$(($COUNTER+1))
            COUNTER_LZ=`echo $COUNTER | awk '{ printf "%08d", $1 }'`
        done
        # update LASTFILESENT
        if [ ${NUMFILES} -gt 0 ]; then
            echo $COUNTER | awk '{ printf "%08d", $1 }' > $LASTFILESENT
        else
            cat $NEXTFILETOSEND | awk '{ printf "%08d", $1 }' > $LASTFILESENT
        fi
        print_stream_header $NUMFILES  >> $OUTFILE
        $GZIP_HEADER_TYPE $ALLFILES  >> $OUTFILE
    else # Sending full logs
        print_stream_header  `ls $ARCHIVE_DIR/${LOG}_*.gz | wc -l ` >> $OUTFILE
        $GZIP_HEADER_TYPE `ls $ARCHIVE_DIR/${LOG}_*.gz | xargs ` >> $OUTFILE
    fi 
fi

#release tinyrot postponing thingy
rm -f $FLAG_TINYROT_LOCK 


[Achiever]

bump IT!

I think for this new baby from amazon there should be some active babysitters that would contribute to the growth of this baby, so it can and will become big and powerfull and to awake it's potential!

[yifanlu]

Originally Posted by Achiever

bump IT!

I think for this new baby from amazon there should be some active babysitters that would contribute to the growth of this baby, so it can and will become big and powerfull and to awake it's potential!

What?

[Achiever]

Originally Posted by yifanlu

What?

Let me translate/explain this metaphor above.

I think, there should be some active developers, to contribute for all K3-Users by extracting, hacking, modifying, (re-)flashing the new kindle 3 with an new better customfirmware to expand the features from this device that got limited by amazon itself

Not exact, but to understand what the metaphor means!

As example for kindle-devices:

• like the thread allready shows, the big brother features implemented by amazon could get deactivated for the k3, so it could not send any user related information to amazon for statistics, tracking, (what/when you read) ... etc.

• more formats like pdf, epub, djvu etc. could be implemented.

• and so many more good features could be implemented..

---

I know it is possible to hack allmost every device by modifying the software/firmware and/or by modifying the hardware.

Good example is the iphone jailbreak and the psp customfirmware.

Of course it is alot of work and sometimes hard to do, because there are limited possibilities, because the manufacturers/developers from the companys build some security around it, to prevend that the device can be hacked.
Because their device should serve the companys interest not only the users, so they limited some great features to fit their needs.

There is allready something like that out there:
Qindle Project
or
http://code.google.com/p/qindle

The Source is also avaiable.. so it can get modified/improved and maybe get working on the new k3
Or maybe the Qindle's Developer (Im3783) himself will release some newer version.
Someone should ask him.


I just don't like to get limited by something, that doesn't need limitation.


..just wanted to speak out the open secrets..


Thanks for reading!
____________________
Dispite some possible english grammar mistakes, everyone should understand what I mean.

[stjoe]

Is this hack working on Kindle DXG? I don't like the idea that Amazon is collecting the personal data on my whereabouts, what I read, etc.

[Ged_uk]

As stated before in this thread you just replace OUTFILE=/dev/stdout with OUTFILE=/dev/null on line 156?
And similarly OUTFILE="$1" to OUTFILE=/dev/null on line 178 in case something is calls it with the -o option.
Obviously save a backup before messing with file!
The log messages seem quite limited with the k3 from what I've seen, no long/lat etc.
It just looks like debug log info, I imagine the framework can send back other info on what you are reading etc. with wispernet sync.
G

[c861556]

HDR Latitude=37.334167,HDR Longitude=-122.031113

20450 Stevens Creek Blvd
Cupertino, CA 95014? Un-f***ing-believable. Poor George Orwell (Eric Blair) must be spinning in his grave. Is this supposed to be an e-book reader or a tracking device?

[Tiersten]

Originally Posted by c861556

Un-f***ing-believable. Poor George Orwell (Eric Blair) must be spinning in his grave. Is this supposed to be an e-book reader or a tracking device?

You know that your cell phone does the same thing right? Software running on your laptop or phone can get a reasonable idea of where you are just based on what WiFi network you're connected to. Don't upload any photos from a phone that have location abilities either.

If you don't want anybody at all to know where you are then disable wireless on every single device you carry.

[c861556]

Originally Posted by Tiersten

You know that your cell phone does the same thing right?

I'm well aware of that. I just don't see any purpose in comparing a supposed e-book reader with a type of device that was specifically designed and sold to be used for two-way radio telecommunications.

As to your second point, I wouldn't mind this abhorrent and entirely unnecessary invasion of privacy that much if I wasn't required to send Amazon all kinds of personal data in order to get full access to such basic functionality as organization of content.

[Tiersten]

Originally Posted by c861556

I'm well aware of that. I just don't see any purpose in comparing a supposed e-book reader with a type of device that was specifically designed and sold to be used for two-way radio telecommunications.

All of the Kindles have some sort of radio in them and it is an advertised feature. Nearly all of them have a cell connection.

You can triangulate your current location just based on the strength and IDs of the cell towers that your cell can see. Its not quite as accurate as a GPS but it will generally put you within the correct area.

The method would be to look up the unique BSSID of visible WiFi networks in publicly available databases like Skyhook Wireless or Google. They've done surveys with data logger equipment vehicles so they know where each WiFi network is.

The Kindle doesn't have a GPS so any location features are from one of those two.

Originally Posted by c861556

As to your second point, I wouldn't mind this abhorrent and entirely unnecessary invasion of privacy that much if I wasn't required to send Amazon all kinds of personal data in order to get full access to such basic functionality as organization of content.

Activate it once and then never connect to wireless again.

Its up to you whether you want to risk using false details when creating your Amazon account.

If you have the 3G+WiFi model then it should in theory be possible to remove the 3G modem as it is a Mini PCI Express card inside the Kindle. I can't vouch for correct operation of a 3G+WiFi Kindle without the 3G card though.

Other options would be to use the shortcut to force it to select a non compatible cell network or to remove the SIM card from inside the Kindle. Again, no idea what happens if the SIM is missing or incorrect inside a 3G+WiFi Kindle.

Or wait for somebody to do an activation hack like the older Kindles have.

I understand that you may have privacy concerns about the Kindle but I fail to see why you're so angry about it. Nobody is making you purchase and use a Kindle. There are methods available to avoid having your location or other information inadvertantly revealed to Amazon.

[c861556]

Why would anyone become exasperated at the thought of their privacy being needlessly threatened? The fact that Amazon collects this information without my explicit consent is already more enough to get my blood boiling.

Kindle is an e-reader. Its main advertised feature was the fact that it was perfect for reading books, not that it was great for spying on your reading and migrating habits.

What's next, an operating system that will send out all your personal information and exact geographic location out every time you try to create a new file? How about the idea of a microwave automatically sending photographs of its contents back to its manufacturer? Toilets tracking your excretory patterns, perhaps? Where exactly would you draw that line?

[Tiersten]

Originally Posted by c861556

Why would anyone become exasperated at the thought of their privacy being needlessly threatened? The fact that Amazon collects this information without my explicit consent is already more enough to get my blood boiling.

Kindle is an e-reader. Its main advertised feature was the fact that it was perfect for reading books, not that it was great for spying on your reading and migrating habits.

They specify that they may collect information including logs and other pieces of data in the license agreement. Section 4 - General.

The onus is on you to actually read and understand what that may involve before using the Kindle. Still nothing to be angry about here yet you're fuming about this as if you had no recourse or choice. Nobody is forcing you to use and carry a Kindle. You can still exercise your right to decline the agreement and ship the Kindle back for a refund if you're still within the refund period.

As I said, I can understand wanting to protect your privacy but still don't understand the "blood boiling" aspect of it. If you don't like it then don't use it or attempt to modify it. If it still angers you that badly then refund, break it or throw it away.

I can see that we'll never agree on this topic and you'll continue to be furious at Amazon so thats the end of my involvement in this particular conversation. You're free to and I welcome you to post a rebuttal however.