kostaspapa2209

Q: Weird "messages logging" alert on iPhone

Hi guys,

on last days two times, there is a weird message alert that comes up on non-specific times on my iPhone 6 Plus (iOS 9.0.2) that says "Messages logging" - Please describe the problem briefly and has a text input to send the message. I have attached the screenshot to see this. Can anyone explain what is that message for? Thank you.

 

screenshot.png

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9.0.2, null

Posted on Oct 6, 2015 1:28 PM

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Q: Weird "messages logging" alert on iPhone

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  • by Jordan0498,

    Jordan0498 Jordan0498 Aug 4, 2016 11:11 PM in response to kostaspapa2209
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Aug 4, 2016 11:11 PM in response to kostaspapa2209

    did  you ever find out why your phone was doing this?

  • by andreas christian,

    andreas christian andreas christian Sep 17, 2016 3:38 AM in response to kostaspapa2209
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Sep 17, 2016 3:38 AM in response to kostaspapa2209

    Me too. Iam problem my iphone

  • by quinncom,

    quinncom quinncom Sep 22, 2016 10:02 AM in response to kostaspapa2209
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 22, 2016 10:02 AM in response to kostaspapa2209

    I have the same problem, but it started after updating to iOS 10.0.1 from 9.3.5.

  • by Askered,

    Askered Askered Sep 23, 2016 11:56 AM in response to kostaspapa2209
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Sep 23, 2016 11:56 AM in response to kostaspapa2209

    Also having the same concern.  Typed a brief message and clicked OK.  Then this happened...

    IMG_1603.jpg

    Probkem? Would Apple really misspell "problem" in a legit iOS warning message? 

     

    Searched the computer for the filename where the device is backed up.  Found text message transcript (.ichat) files for "2016-09-21 at" but no .zip files.  iOS devices have no file system so it cannot be searched.  Zip (.zip) files cannot be opened on iOS even if found.

     

    Could be third-party spyware logging messages.  Could be inadvertent notification from the other device that messages were logged and archived on their end.  Hopefully someone in the forum can help answer.   

  • by quinncom,

    quinncom quinncom Sep 23, 2016 1:45 PM in response to Askered
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Sep 23, 2016 1:45 PM in response to Askered

    iOS log files are not accessible from the device they are generated on. The files are synced with iTunes and can be retrieved on the computer running iTunes. On a Mac that's under $HOME/Library/Logs/CrashReporter/MobileDevice/<DEVICENAME>/Messages/. More info about viewing these logs.

     

    I found the logs (.zip files) created by this "Messages Logging" process on my Mac. The contents of one zip file:

     

    Screen Shot 2016-09-23 at 15.38.17.png

    None of the files therein state explicitly what process created the log. So, the mystery continues.

     

    Askered, do you think the “The probkem is, this” part is what you typed into the messages dialog? I've never seen that.

  • by Askered,Helpful

    Askered Askered Sep 24, 2016 1:11 PM in response to quinncom
    Level 1 (9 points)
    Sep 24, 2016 1:11 PM in response to quinncom

    Thanks.  Found the .zip file too.  Checked hidden files (not shown) and same as yours.  Yes, the typo was part of my response to the initial prompt.   

    Screen Shot 2016-09-23 at 14.38.15 PM.png

    Definitely mysterious and a bit concerning.  First "messages logging" prompt is reminiscent of the 1990s Command Prompt/NetSend game IT Admins would send to network clients.  Maybe Apple finally caved to Feds and pushed out a back door into iOS?  Patriot Act was renewed this year.  

  • by Pineappleface32,

    Pineappleface32 Pineappleface32 Oct 5, 2016 5:50 AM in response to kostaspapa2209
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Oct 5, 2016 5:50 AM in response to kostaspapa2209

    I Phoned Customer support about this and here is what they said:

    - Turn imessage and Facetime off and on again.

    - And then to go to settings>General>Reset>Reset Network settings.

    Not sure if it has worked yet as this issue has only happened twice for me and doesn't happen all the time. Time will tell. I realise this doesn't shed any light onto why this is happening, but may provide a solution. This has happened to me since Updating to IOS 10 also.

  • by macman_again,

    macman_again macman_again Oct 13, 2016 1:37 AM in response to Pineappleface32
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Oct 13, 2016 1:37 AM in response to Pineappleface32

    This would help with general connectivity issues and is a basic solution for anyone that does an update. I do it when I update or have odd issues with a local WiFi. It would not be related to the error other than a connection issue was encountered when the phone tried to save a log. I am not an Apple developer so take what you want of this comment.

     

    On another issue...

     

    I suspect that Apple has left lots of logging code in the recent IOS release 10.0.2 to help with future updates. This makes sense from a developers point but not a security point. The open ended question is when will it get turned off? By the way I expect lots of silence from Apple on this issue.

  • by quinncom,

    quinncom quinncom Oct 13, 2016 9:50 AM in response to kostaspapa2209
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 13, 2016 9:50 AM in response to kostaspapa2209

    I received a phone call from someone claiming to be from Apple, in response to this thread. He seemed very eager to help me resolve the problem by installing a Configuration Profile. He called twice, and emailed me twice.

     

    I haven't followed his instructions to install the Config Profile yet, because I'm concerned this may be a phishing attack: someone claiming to be from apple asks me to install something on my phone which compromises its security. A config profile can change settings that enable a MITM attack.

     

    Has anyone else been contacted by Apple regarding this? Have you confirmed they indeed work for Apple and the solution is legit?

     

    Apple should initiate contact with customers first by a authenticated mechanism (i.e., not via phone or email) and should advise users not to agree to follow instructions given by people they contact by phone, email or posted on a website.

     

    Phil, if you're reading this, I hope you can appreciate my concern.