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I am attempting to reboot a Google TV device remotely through the Anymote protocols. When I send CTRL+ALT+DEL through anymote, nothing happens. Is it possible to reboot Google TV devices remotely? Would it be possible to do by sending an Android Intent?

Robert Dale Smith
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1 Answers1

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I assume this is done purposely.

Normally, an app requires the permission: "android.intent.action.REBOOT" to successfully reboot() the device. However, this permission can only be granted to system apps.

Allowing the device to reboot through the Anymote protocol would be a good example of Privilege Escalation where a system app is exposing this secure functionality to other apps without encforcing permissions.

So in response to your question: if the Anymote protocol did support rebooting it would be a security violation. And since it apparently doesn't, there is simply no way to reboot the TV without being a system app...

(Relevant aside: this is why it's always important that you review your app for potential security holes. If you request a permission and don't properly restrict access to it, you will be allowing other apps to exploit the flaw)

yydl
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    Agreed. This is one of the most frequently requested features for my app Able Remote, but I have not found a way to get Anymote to do a reboot. The physical remotes for Google TV that have ctrl+alt+del buttons do support rebooting. – Leon Nicholls Dec 27 '12 at 04:12
  • Thanks guys for the input. This is exactly what I needed to know. Leon: I assume its also not possible to reboot through your Able Remote for Google TV app running on the device itself? – Robert Dale Smith Dec 27 '12 at 09:03
  • Google TV apps cannot reboot the device due to the Android system restrictions. – Leon Nicholls Dec 28 '12 at 03:17