New Exploit on Verizon Galaxy S9 G960U??? - Samsung Galaxy S9 Questions & Answers

Hi everyone,
So it has been a year since I have my S9 and still there is no exploit released to the public yet, and I understand that Samsung really locked down the security on their US variants.
On the Samsung S6, what I used to have, had an exploit where you can only have shell root access in terminal by modifying the boot.img and flashing it via odin, and thats using Android Nougat for root.
Could this perform a similar function to the S9? Like at least have an exploit where you can have shell root via ADB?
If not, is there any status on the G960U in terms of rooting?

AndroidFan16 said:
Hi everyone,
So it has been a year since I have my S9 and still there is no exploit released to the public yet, and I understand that Samsung really locked down the security on their US variants.
On the Samsung S6, what I used to have, had an exploit where you can only have shell root access in terminal by modifying the boot.img and flashing it via odin, and thats using Android Nougat for root.
Could this perform a similar function to the S9? Like at least have an exploit where you can have shell root via ADB?
If not, is there any status on the G960U in terms of rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
modifying the boot.img will cause the signature from sammy to fail as would anything else that isnt stock and properly signed.
No dice man. Still nada on the U devices. You do know that root is becoming less and less necessary, right? What are you looking to get done with root?

youdoofus said:
modifying the boot.img will cause the signature from sammy to fail as would anything else that isnt stock and properly signed.
No dice man. Still nada on the U devices. You do know that root is becoming less and less necessary, right? What are you looking to get done with root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh... Well that's kind of a dud.
I always want root mainly for more control with my device, for example, uninstalling bloatware (this way if I dare to factory reset my device, I dont need to disable the apps I dont want after performing a factory reset, unless if I have to reflash the rom).
Another thing is controlling the CPU's frequency speed (or governor) for either saving battery or pump out more performance, which is technically the #1 thing I want as root.
I also want to disable OEM updates from forcing me to update my phone after 10 defers (I found a bug to bypass this and it's by using the notification draw and click on the setting button).
I also want to configure access of changing the 4G LTE bands (which changing the config file in the /efs partition, which I assume, is locked without su access).
Like I have mentioned, the shell root is basically minimum for me, and I wouldn't mind on that. HOWEVER, if all that I have mentioned can be performed without root and have a similar function of doing these, please let me know.

AndroidFan16 said:
Ohh... Well that's kind of a dud.
I always want root mainly for more control with my device, for example, uninstalling bloatware (this way if I dare to factory reset my device, I dont need to disable the apps I dont want after performing a factory reset, unless if I have to reflash the rom).
Another thing is controlling the CPU's frequency speed (or governor) for either saving battery or pump out more performance, which is technically the #1 thing I want as root.
I also want to disable OEM updates from forcing me to update my phone after 10 defers (I found a bug to bypass this and it's by using the notification draw and click on the setting button).
I also want to configure access of changing the 4G LTE bands (which changing the config file in the /efs partition, which I assume, is locked without su access).
Like I have mentioned, the shell root is basically minimum for me, and I wouldn't mind on that. HOWEVER, if all that I have mentioned can be performed without root and have a similar function of doing these, please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
youre not gonna get true debloating with this, but if you flash the U1 firmware with an unknown CSC, it wont install any carrier bloat and is very much akin to a GSI. Nice and stripped down. Over/unclocking, yup, you need root. I never see people talking about clockin the processor anymore tho as the new kernels are so adaptive and are written quite well. Ive also never not wanted to install an OEM update, so im not sure how to stave those off, or if ite even possible. To change the bands your phone is utilizing, you just need access to the special menu from the dialer.

Do you know what's the dialer code to access the service menu on the S9 on Verizon?
I'm pretty sure its locked but it's worth a try.

Related

Any way to secure a rooted phone? Does root break things?

I am considering this phone as a replacement for Note 7, so I have some questions about root.
Does it break Android Pay, and if so, is it permanent? Like does it fry "secure element?" Or can one root, install adblock .hosts, but then reverse the effect?
Also, if the phone is rooted, can it still be secured? So, if I lose my phone, can someone plug it into usb and flash/wipe data? Or can it be secured, so that it could only be tampered by the owner?
Thanks.
nabbed said:
I am considering this phone as a replacement for Note 7, so I have some questions about root.
Does it break Android Pay, and if so, is it permanent? Like does it fry "secure element?" Or can one root, install adblock .hosts, but then reverse the effect?
Also, if the phone is rooted, can it still be secured? So, if I lose my phone, can someone plug it into usb and flash/wipe data? Or can it be secured, so that it could only be tampered by the owner?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gentle bump.
At the current moment there's currently no root yet (although Chainfire did got seamless root working with boot image mods but is still working on getting everything done) and there's currently no custom recovery.
Also, Google hasn't used SE for the longest time since Verizon and other carriers has been locking out that chip on the SIM card for a long time. Instead they do some sort of emulation of sort which is stored in the data encrypted so if you ever wipe your phone you don't have to worry about the SE being all jacked up without unregistering it first.
In terms of being able to use Android Pay, it does check to see if the bootloader is unlocked but there's already a kernel out that bypasses that check and I'm able to use it just fine so even if you are rooted I'm sure you could just use that kernel and it'll still work (I'm not able to test with root since the root isn't publicly available yet but usually you can go into SuperSU and tell it to hide su and android pay should still work if it does check to see if su is installed on top of the bootloader being unlocked). So there's always ways around it.

Root & Rom Advice from the Ground Up

I need some help and I've looked all over but the information is fragmented and there is too many unfamiliar acronyms used which make it incredibly difficult for some like myself to catch up. So for the benefit of others who may be new I wanted to get some additional guidance.
I got the Pixel XL Google Version
Objectives:
1. Root with the ability to hide root so other apps will work
2. Native Mobile Hotspot
3. The ability to easily receive android updates without having to reflash etc..
4. Stay close to stock if possible, but willing to explore other options as long as security is trusted, and has good
compatibility.
5. Security is a concern, I tried a rom in the past with a Galaxy S4 and swear it had a backdoor installed in the rom.
What do you guys recommend? And how do I go about doing it?
Thank you!
If security is truly a concern you will not unlock your bootloader and root your phone.
Otherwise it all depends on which version phone you have, Verizon or Google?
1. You need magisk root for that.
3. No updates when you are rooted
4.5. Never heard of any custom rom with a backdoor. That's absolutely bull****. More likely it was an app you installed.
Unlocked bootloader is a security issue, so better to stay on full stock.
Root is a big security issue so better stay on full stock.
Jokes aside the only security issue is your phone gets stolen or you install apps outside playstore.
If you stay encrypted and use a hard pattern with fingerprint you are fine and there is always the way to delete your phone when it gets stolen.
mikaole said:
1. You need magisk root for that.
3. No updates when you are rooted
4.5. Never heard of any custom rom with a backdoor. That's absolutely bull****. More likely it was an app you installed.
Unlocked bootloader is a security issue, so better to stay on full stock.
Root is a big security issue so better stay on full stock.
I have the Pixel XL - Google Version
Jokes aside the only security issue is your phone gets stolen or you install apps outside playstore.
If you stay encrypted and use a hard pattern with fingerprint you are fine and there is always the way to delete your phone when it gets stolen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point about security really was that it's quite possible a ROM could have a backdoor. That a side..
Root is not a big security issue for me as long as the rom is trusted etc..
Shouldn't I be able to turn root off then be able to update and turn it back on again?
jadensmith said:
1. Root with the ability to hide root so other apps will work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible to root to one slot with SuperSU while the other slot remains unrooted, and then the phone can be switched between slots with TWRP or fastboot commands. Kernels have been posted with safetynet patches, to hide that the bootloader is unlocked, but I'm not sure if any are available with the software version on my phone's current slot. As noted, Magisk can also hide root and that the bootloader is unlocked, so it's probably less hassle than trying to root and hide using SuperSU.
3. The ability to easily receive android updates without having to reflash etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FlashFire can use the OTA to update and stay rooted with SuperSU. The past couple months I've used FlashFire to update my phone, and it seems quicker and easier than the sideloading and reinstalling process I had been using. I'm not aware of anything similar to FlashFire for Magisk users, so to me it seems like you would have to decide if 1 or 3 is more personally important.
jadensmith said:
Shouldn't I be able to turn root off then be able to update and turn it back on again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While reading I got the impression that I might be able to uninstall SuperSU and use the OTA update, but that didn't work with SuperSU the times I tried it, so I presume something SuperSU changed or something I did with root must have caused the update to fail. I haven't read the Magisk threads as much, yet I've seen that other SuperSU users also indicate that OTA updates no longer worked for them after rooting the phone.
alluringreality said:
It's possible to root to one slot with SuperSU while the other slot remains unrooted, and then the phone can be switched between slots with TWRP or fastboot commands. Kernels have been posted with safetynet patches, to hide that the bootloader is unlocked, but I'm not sure if any are available with the software version on my phone's current slot. As noted, Magisk can also hide root and that the bootloader is unlocked, so it's probably less hassle than trying to root and hide using SuperSU.
FlashFire can use the OTA to update and stay rooted with SuperSU. The past couple months I've used FlashFire to update my phone, and it seems quicker and easier than the sideloading and reinstalling process I had been using. I'm not aware of anything similar to FlashFire for Magisk users, so to me it seems like you would have to decide if 1 or 3 is more personally important.
That didn't work with SuperSU the times I tried it, so I presumed that something I did with root must have caused the update to fail to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow thanks for the great reply! It's so refreshing!
What do you mean by root one slot?
The phone has two "slots" for Android. The basic idea is that you have two copies of Android on the phone that share the same user data. On a stock phone it's intended to allow for less noticeable updates, and it also can allow the phone to fall back to the previous software version if something goes wrong with an update. On the May update my phone did automatically switch between slots, due to what is discussed in the second link below. The first link below gives some information and additional links to discussion about the slots on these phones.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/1...-partition-changes-and-new-fastboot-commands/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/an...signing-boot-images-android-verified-t3600606
Is it possible to keep stock or near stock and just have root with the ability to hide root, and hotspot?
That's all I really need. What would be the best way to to do this?

(Question) rooting and back to stock

Hi guys
It’s been awhile since I had a Samsung phone
Anyhow I remember that if you are rooting your phone I will not be able to go back to stock and keep receiving updates regularly and also the user will not be able to use any Samsung service since there is some security on the device board
I wonder if it’s still the situation in galaxy s21 series
thanks
Yes OTA updates will be disabled for the rooted device. But you can easily install them if you so wish without loosing root by temporarily removing root without rebooting the device. Follow this guide for full process.
As for the services, I didn't hear about a service that's disabled by rooting. But if it happens you can easily replace said services by downloading alternatives or using specific modules in magisk manager.
Thank you
I’m asking because if I will ever want to sell the device it will be impossible
sagiag said:
Thank you
I’m asking because if I will ever want to sell the device it will be impossible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all.
You can just do this:
Unroot.
Remove Samsung and google account.
Flash stock ROM [Optional, unless you flashed a custom ROM]
Lock the bootloader.
And that's it you can sell it as just lightly used.
I think you wouldn't be able to use Secure Folder after root.
dalanik said:
I think you wouldn't be able to use Secure Folder after root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox is disabled after rooting, similarly anything knox dependant will be disabled as well. I thought he meant some other services like samsung health or other bloatware.

Is it worth to root your Samsung Galaxy S10+

Hello,
Yesterday, I successfully rooted my Samsung Galaxy S10+. But since I still had some questions about it, I went on and posted a thread here. User Spaceminer then pointed out that my original post was in the wrong subforum and linked me here. Naturally, I looked at some of the most popular posts in hopes to find answers to my questions. But what I found confused me more than it gave me answers.
Since 2014 with the Samsung Galaxy S5 I got used to rooting in order to disable bloatware, protect my data and customize my phone. I continued doing that with the S8+ until I recently got my hands on the S10. Now, my main reason for rooting are still the same; I want disable (not necessarily uninstall) bloatware, protect my privacy and customize my phone (such as changing the background of the dial when calling someone). But that thread made me wonder if it is even essential to root. I also found a similar post on reddit and most answers seem to agree that it is not necessary to root your phones.
Now, my situation is a bit different. For one, I already rooted my phone. Second, I don't care about warranty nor custom ROMs. But I do want to install a banking app. Also, it is a bit cumbersome to not only have to manually update your phone with every update but the booting requirements with the warning screen are also a bit annoying. So, my question is the following:
What are the advantages of rooting that are not possible without? I have 3 main concerns: Bloatware, Privacy and Customization.
The reason why I posted this in a separate threat is that I was not able to come to a definitive conclusion on my own and most discussion threads are over a year old. By now, the whole process of rooting and what is possible changed since then, so I want to get a more recent insight. I hope you can help me out.
With kind regards,
DasMalzbier
Tbh root is not needed, unless you want to use a custom rom. Most things are already in the android now.
Calyx os not make for samsung Galaxy series and 12 update also comes this year so i think rooting is unnecessary for s10 series
Root is 100%, absolutely necessary for using the phone. I cannot use any phone without it. Critical root-only capabilities:
full system backups (in twrp)
titanium backup
disable updates permanently (update ONLY when want to)
app freezers (app quarantine)
disable/remove bloatware
disable google play services/google play
automate/tasker
cf lumen
adblockers
wifi tether
busybox
superuser
ssh tunnel
update android to later version / install custom roms
optimize system
button mapper
custom theming / substratum
nav gestures
tidypanel
xposed
root explorer
app privacy customizations
3c all-in-one toolbox
more
Without root, the phone is unusable to me. I will never buy any phone without root capability. I am willing to go to different carriers just to get root on the device, or go to different manufacturers if root is blocked. For example, I will never buy a huawei device - they are locked.
I would like to say yes but I can't. the stock apps are very well designed.
The biggest concern is that custom Roms are released faster than modded apps.
For example I tried about ten GCAMs and all of them have a bug... and it becomes more complicated with Exynos.
OpenGcam is not worth samsung app.
Unable to get voice match to work.
Alarms that you can't set to a specific day with the google app.
And so on.
Root is useful when the manufacturer no longer updates the devices.
I regret having Root mine because I lost Samsung Pay and other things.
DemotionFR said:
I would like to say yes but I can't. the stock apps are very well designed.
The biggest concern is that custom Roms are released faster than modded apps.
For example I tried about ten GCAMs and all of them have a bug... and it becomes more complicated with Exynos.
OpenGcam is not worth samsung app.
Unable to get voice match to work.
Alarms that you can't set to a specific day with the google app.
And so on.
Root is useful when the manufacturer no longer updates the devices.
I regret having Root mine because I lost Samsung Pay and other things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only one that would have any consequence of rooting is Samsung Pay.
xbt- said:
Root is 100%, absolutely necessary for using the phone. I cannot use any phone without it. Critical root-only capabilities:
full system backups (in twrp)
titanium backup
disable updates permanently (update ONLY when want to)
app freezers (app quarantine)
disable/remove bloatware
disable google play services/google play
automate/tasker
cf lumen
adblockers
wifi tether
busybox
superuser
ssh tunnel
update android to later version / install custom roms
optimize system
button mapper
custom theming / substratum
nav gestures
tidypanel
xposed
root explorer
app privacy customizations
3c all-in-one toolbox
more
Without root, the phone is unusable to me. I will never buy any phone without root capability. I am willing to go to different carriers just to get root on the device, or go to different manufacturers if root is blocked. For example, I will never buy a huawei device - they are locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you carrier /network unlock with the root >?
NickosD said:
Tbh root is not needed, unless you want to use a custom rom. Most things are already in the android now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, even if you wanna use custom rom you don't need to root. Just pick the rom with the apps you want or just use the gapps packages you want, if want essential to work gapps then use pico or nano. If there is still something you want to remove and the romdoesn't allow, just use adb shell commands and thats it. Less issues with banks not working because of Magisk (root). I know Magisk has a feature to hide itself, change its name but depending on the app, the libs can be found and know that is Magisk, so for security purposes some apps don't work and some aren't even shown in the Google Play Store just because you rooted the device.
logandavid said:
maybe now the root is not needed but later down the road when your phone will get obsolete and newer android OS updates will be halted for S10+ then you'll be more attracted towards custom roms. Actually it is just personal preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's happening right now, I doubt S10+ will receive Android 13 and now just security and bug fix updates are being shipped by Samsung.
Haknor said:
It's happening right now, I doubt S10+ will receive Android 13 and now just security and bug fix updates are being shipped by Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It won't get any new Android upgrades AFAIK.
But appart from tripping knox, what else do I lose if I unlock my bootloader? I read once, quite a while ago, that the battery is limited to 80% of its full capacity. Is that true?
io_gh0st said:
It won't get any new Android upgrades AFAIK.
But appart from tripping knox, what else do I lose if I unlock my bootloader? I read once, quite a while ago, that the battery is limited to 80% of its full capacity. Is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the version, you'll notice stock camera to be limited or not work as expected, secure folder, dual messenger either not working, it can trigger some banks or payment apps (especially if you root), no more ota updates (if you keep using stock rom), drm content can stop working, samsung pay, Play Store might limited the apps you see and so on... Not sure about the battery, for me unlocking the bootloader and switching to another rom made my battery last more than stock, but it depends on the rom, the device, it's not a rule of thumb.

Modifying G988u from verizon

Can i modify my g988u from verizon in anyway? And if so how? Im new to this kind of stuff. I know i should probably leave verizon
You might be able to disable some packages with ADB , but beyond that, if your phone has been receiving OTA updates, it's likely hopeless. Substantial customization requires root, and that is precluded by locked bootloaders. There are paid services that can unlock bootloaders in S20s with older software, but my understanding is this isn't an option for devices with newer software
I actually just switched to Verizon, entirely motivated by AT&T's hostiliity towards most unlocked devices (that they don't sell). So, if you leave, who are you going to go to? T-Mobile is the most permissive of the big 3, but tends to lag in infrastructure.
Right didnt even look into that. Probably going to stay with verizon now that ya said that lol. Just curious What do people get out of from rooting their phone? I want to learn how and dont know where to start.
CainD5 said:
Right didnt even look into that. Probably going to stay with verizon now that ya said that lol. Just curious What do people get out of from rooting their phone? I want to learn how and dont know where to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot. Android phones have come a long way in past decade and change that they have been available, but root access, which is typically associated with at least an unlocked bootloader and possibly also a custom ROM, remains the single most powerful customization tool. A short non-exhaustive list of what you can do:
Use Magisk (See Magisk Module Repo for ideas of capabilties).
Use EdXposed or LSPosed (See Xposed Module Repo for ideas of capabilities).
Install a custom kernel (natively mount CIFS/NFS filesystems, overclock your device, and all sorts of other options).
Permanently debloat your ROM (survives hard reset).
Enjoy the best ad blocking experience.
View/backup/edit private application data.
There are also downsides to root, such as tripping the warranty void bit (and disabling Knox-related functionality like Samsung Pay, likely losing filesystem encryption, and greatly increasing your odds of a malware infestation. That said, the XDA site is largely powered by the modding/root access community, so those risks aren't discussed much.

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