What is "ShortcutsActions" and why is it accessing contacts on my iPhone?

Hey just found this thread because I was wondering the same thing when looking at my Data & Sensor access.

For everyone who is insisting that it has to do with the shortcuts app— I am an avid shortcut enthusiast and actively use the app. As you can see in my screenshot this is something separate. It raises red flags for me because I'm familiar with the ongoings of my phone and am fully aware of every shortcut I have; how and when they operate.

I do not have any shortcuts that call on contact access nor would the sharing of contacts EVER take place with the shortcuts app unless triggered manually or via automation by the user. As you can see in my screenshot as well, the frequency in which it happens on seemingly randomized times and dates is definitely something worth looking into or else I wouldn't be here.

It takes a special kind to be so naïve as to think Apple is truly impenetrable and then use that closed off way of thinking to condescend to others. Its pretentious c*nty behavior at best.

But don't mind me, it's probably just the aluminum toxicity from my foil hat speaking.

[Edited by Moderator]

How can you prove a negative? That is 1000% ridiculous.

You have a bunch of apps internal to your phone. They all talk to each other, so they can provide the features you want, or may want sometime, to use. They don’t talk to anyone or anything outside your phone. Where is the security issue here?

If you truly believe it is somehow a security problem then get rid of your iPhone. And don’t get an Android; apps on an Android also share internal data.

Your only option is to get a dumb flip phone, and never use any smartphone or computer again. All computers share internal data between apps also. Of course, flip phones also share a lot of data with the cellular network, so that isn’t an option, either. Give up all mobile phones, and get a hard-wired copper connected dial phone. If you can find a carrier who will still install copper.

Shel7585 wrote:

Just found this in my cloud

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/44a8509b-bc43-47a3-a4bc-0fa866a31d9b

Yes, shortcuts has data, just like all other apps. I fail to see what is surprising about apps having data. That’s what they are for.

Shel7585 wrote:

They provided me info I didn’t know so probably will others that are 9 levels below..

It doesn't sound as if you have the background to judge if the information in the old, third party links is accurate or currently applicable.

Hi sir,

my name is zaki, so i have same problem like that.. wichis i found app like “Shortcut Actions”, actually i never download in Appstore

and realize that, when i update ios and activating on “privacy reporting” and the result is i am overthinking hehehee

i feel like, my phone has been hack.. and finally i reset my phone and changes my icloud and yeah..

its “shortcut actions” comeback again… (in this position and condition, im using new icloud) and also i didn’t do jailbreaks my phone..

and for now.. i have trying to 3 times changes my icloud, and yeah still is there..

now i never get “valid informations” about that.. i mean i need some information about that.. like whats that apps..

im sorry for bad grammar bro

regards,

eza

hi all

having major similar issues…. wild things:

*apps w pretend files

hiddens apps not able to be seen

mystery apps downloading disappearibg

shortcutsactions app connecting to things

i think there are VPN or VM hacks going on

for months now my battery was draining fast and my camera wasn’t working properly

went into lockdown mode and staying off wifi suddenly all works fine

have recorded a lot of weird behavior

need help resetting

ALL VPNs are less secure than a device without a VPN. And yes, if you have VPN installed, especially a free VPN, it can be used to hack your iPhone→VPN: What you need to know - Apple Community

Restore your iOS device to factory settings - Apple Support

So how do you find the created shortcut someone else created on my phone? I don’t have the shortcut app either and when I look for anything shortcuts, I don’t have anything. I’ve never created one. So if someone did create a shortcut, how do I find it?

hi all..

i still waiting for this case.. i mean what is "ShortcutsActions" for real.. i just need valid information about that.. is this some abnormal like hack things or just IOS system, for real i never using shortcuts, and jailbreaks my phone, now i have changes four times different icloud,

my device is iphone 11 pro, i have argument about thiss.. is this work for iphone "Pro" series??

so thanks for the attention

regards,

zaki

Hi Mr. Lawrance!

Previously, i would like tobsay thank you for you response and argument, i really appreciate it you have time to response this topic.

actually, i have some trouble because i still cannot find this topic's reply cause yeah, is that look random date i see..

but i get point and read some information in this forum, so shortcuts Actions available on iPhone Xs >> (next iphone series).

and if we have a lot application, the result is more recorded in the "shortCuts Actions" privacy report

is this information right sir? im sorry if my grammar so bad hehehe.. have a nice day sir

regards,

zaki

What steps can be taken to secure a phone/Apple ID if Shortcutsactions is repeatedly accessing contacts but the app is not on the phone (I am fully aware of how to check) and no shortcuts have ever been created?

I’m grateful for everyone supporting the community, but the “that’s not possible / it’s something you did / that’s expected behavior” party lines for all things security-related are unhelpful and, often, demonstrably false.

Shortcuts has already had a high-severity exploit. Concerning issues for multiple users are arising again.

Is there practical advice for confirming a compromise or involving Apple to do so?

That’s not the case for me; for example, today Shortcutsactions accessed my contacts for over a hour while I was asleep.

Regardless, thank you for offering something specific to review. I appreciate it.

Thank you for this that makes sense. But what if you have implicitly not given any app to access your contacts? And the ShortcutsActions app is still doing the same thing? Exactly as described by the OP

Has anyone tried asking apple support? Wonder what they would have to say? I’m guessing it would go to an Apple senior advisor who would have to screen share and pull a diagnostic to get it off to the “engineers” and never hear back from them.

foxowl wrote:

Almost a 1hr call with Apple support they told me “it’s the phone app that uses this shortcut to your contacts to flag spam calls” so I asked if I get a call that is not in my contacts it will be automatically flagged as a spam call? They replied not necessarily and that they couldn’t give a real answer on that”

I think either Apple Support was mistaken or there was a miscommunication. My understanding is that the spam flag comes from the carrier.