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Paranoid Android

Paranoid Android - 1.3

haxie to fix a new vulnerability in OS X

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This Version: Not rated (0.0)
Current Version: 1.3
Release Date: 2006-02-22
License: Freeware
Downloads (this version): 3,315
Downloads (all versions): 9,914

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Product Description:

A new vulnerability in the way Mac OS X handles strong document bindings can lead to documents opening in a different application when being double clicked. This can allow an arbitrary execution of code. Paranoid Android has been updated to address this new vulnerability.

Paranoid Android can protect you from this potential vulnerability until Apple makes an official fix available. It does this by watching which applications a document will open in and if it isn't the default application for that file type, it will delay them until you've had a chance to say whether you'd like to proceed or not. If the application that will be launched is not the one you expected to be launched, Paranoid Android gives you an opportunity to open the document in the default application for the file type.

What's new in this version:

  • Paranoid Android will now ask you if you double click to open a document that opens in an application other than the default one for the document's file type. This does not affect opening documents from within applications.
  • Updated to mitigate the recent Safari/LaunchServices exploit described in detail here.

Operating System Requirements:

This product is designed to run on the following operating systems:

  • Mac OS X 10.4 PPC

Additional Requirements:

  • Mac OS X 10.4 or higher

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Paranoid Android CommentaryApple released security update - Version: 1.3, 3/1/2006 09:57PM PST

greatcow951
It will fix the issue in Safari that PA addresses. Not so sure about the rest of the system that PA watches over. So, I'm going to keep using this one.
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Paranoid Android ReviewIt works - Version: 1.3, 2/24/2006 12:18PM PST

greatcow951
I use this along with Safe Terminal. I then tested it using the "launch calculator" trojan on the web. PA first popped up, asking if wanted QuickTime to open it or Terminal (good call). Since I wanted to test SafeTerminal also, I let it through the Terminal and nothing happened.

GREAT WORK from both companies.
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Paranoid Android ReviewStill Better Than Mac OS X's Security - Version: 1.2, 1/4/2006 03:19PM PST

(2 of 3 users found this comment useful)

zunipus
I used to use Paranoid Android before Apple provided their solution to auto-running applications. On a whim, and at the recommendations from 2004 found below, I recently tried it again. Response: Why did I ever stop?! PA is incredibly better than Apple's solution!!! Conclusion: use them both. I have yet to find any conflict between them. The complement each other.

Background: Having learned personal computing on DOS PCs, having kept up to date with the latest M$ offerings, I have found it useful to learn contemporary Windows PC security. I absolutely love the podcast 'Security Now!' despite the fact that 90% of the time it only applies to Windows boxes. Being aware of the incredible security nightmares on Windows has made me an advocate for Mac users to increase their awareness of potential Mac OS X security problems. I use virus protection on my Macs, and I remain thrilled that Paranoid Android still works on my machine. Thus far Windows has no equivalent of PA. Only in Vista will there be something remotely like it, and that OS is unlikely to be released even in 2006!

Paranoid Android may pop up at inopportune times for some busy or beginning users. But I love it. I know this great little Haxie, (and I personally have Never Never had any problems with Haxies on my Powerbook, and I run 5 of them all the time), is keeping my Mac far safer than without it. There are certainly a lot of 'paranoid' FUD mongers out in the computer commentary world who are poised on the edge of their seats waiting for Macs to get just one virus. They 'cry wolf' over and over and no Mac exploit appears. Mac users typically respond with a well deserved yawn and go back to work. But I take comfort knowing my Mac has Paranoid Android running, ready for that inevitable day when indeed someone has it in for Mac OS X and figures out a way to screw with it. PA will stop any auto-running virus/worm/trojan in its tracks, far more reliably that Mac OS X on its own. Thank you Unsanity! Keep PA available and compatible!

Another level of security to add to your Mac: Little Snitch. It halts all phoning home, all unapproved passage out through your firewall. And you do have a running firewall, right?
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