[Q] q Looking for a little conceptual understanding regarding Loki - G2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've come most recently from a Galaxy S4 with a locked bootloader using safestrap, and before that from an S3 with an unlocked bootloader.
On the S3, with it's unlocked bootloader I flashed roms without really worrying that much about kernals or rom "bases"
When I used safestrap I understood it was really important that the rom I was flashing was based on the "base" I was locked into by virtue of the particular OTA I was on.
Now that I have my verizon G2 i've rooted the 12b ota with ioroot and i'm about to install a recovery using freegee, but before I go forward I'd like to understand a little bit more how careful do I have to be to find out what "base" the rom i'm about to flash was built on/for? can install a rom or restore a backup that is based on a different verizon ota then my own? I understand tha Loki is a "bypass" and not a bootloader unlock, but I'm not really sure what that means.
Please enlighten me.

Unlike an actual bootloader unlock, Loki is dependent upon the kernel.
When you boot the phone, the bootloader loads the kernel into the memory and then verifies it. In that order. If the signature verification is successful, the bootloader proceeds with the boot process. If it does not, the boot process is aborted and a security error is displayed.
The key to the Loki exploit is actually at the step where the kernel is loaded into the memory. The flaw in the bootloader is that it relies upon the boot image header to determine the location at which to load the kernel and the ramdisk in the memory. The signature verification occurs after this. The exploit works by using an address in the boot image header that actually overwrites the part of the bootloader in the memory that does the signature verification. Shellcode added by the user is loaded to where the ramdisk is expected to reside and patches up boot image header and loads the kernel and ramdisk into the memory at the correct location, and then returns a value that would indicate that signature verification was successful, and thus the bootloader proceeds with the boot process with the custom kernel.
All in all it's pretty simple, and quite brilliant.
If you are installing a custom ROM or kernel, all of boot images have this exploit written into them, otherwise they will not boot. As an end user, all you need to really worry about is things like checking integrity, as if you flash a damaged image it will not run the exploit as it is supposed to and fail to boot, you'll get a security error, and basically have no option other than to flash completely back to stock (or if you end up in fastboot, flash a good boot image and recovery that properly exploit the bootloader and can boot the ROM you have installed or recovery). It's not much different from an actual bootloader unlock to the user, as if you get a bad download and flash it you're going to have problems no matter what. Check your md5s always!
Perhaps worth noting is that this exploit has been patched in the official kit-kat releases. I do not know too much about the new bootloader, but I am told that it includes steps that verify it's own integrity so it will not boot if it is overwritten. Since the old bootloader won't boot official 4.4.2, there is currently no way to get both official 4.4.2 and a custom recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Thanks
Thanks, but I'm still confused about the practical ramifications.
When I choose a rom to install does it need to specifically be built on the 12b ota? when I'm on a particular ota can I restore a backup that was had a different base? both of those things were things I couldn't do with safestrap, but I could on my bootloader-unlocked phones

Edited my first post with a little more info. Loki had to be updated for 12B. Most ROMs and kernels have been updated but some won't work. I would read the ROMs thread to make sure. I am on 12B currently and I have not run into any problems with it yet, but it never hurts to read the thread for the things you are flashing and seeing if others are having a problem. This is not like safestrap where you are limited to the stock kernel (or one specific kernel if you have kexec). Any kernel that is properly Loki'd will be bootable as long as you don't do something like try to boot an AOSP ROM on a stock kernel. There are a few incompatibilities between ROMs and kernels that arise from various ROMs moving away from AOSP but this has nothing to do with this specific exploit and would happen regardless of bootloader unlocking/hacking methods
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Related

Question About Software Error Message

Hi guys. Not new to rooting but new to my AT&T S4. I rooted it tonight with Motochopper and installed CWM recovery. Downloaded and tried to flash a ROM, and it simply didn't work. Then I tried Beanstalk 4.2.2, and it downloads, but then when I rebooted it, it gave me the yellow triangle unauthorized software message. So I pulled the battery and finally got it to boot into recovery, then installed the back up I had from the stock OS. My question is two fold-what's causing this and if I download a ROM with the Loki patch, will that bypass the error message I'm getting. I searched the forums but am not understanding what was written. I'm pretty confused, any help would be greatly appreciated.
chokem said:
Hi guys. Not new to rooting but new to my AT&T S4. I rooted it tonight with Motochopper and installed CWM recovery. Downloaded and tried to flash a ROM, and it simply didn't work. Then I tried Beanstalk 4.2.2, and it downloads, but then when I rebooted it, it gave me the yellow triangle unauthorized software message. So I pulled the battery and finally got it to boot into recovery, then installed the back up I had from the stock OS. My question is two fold-what's causing this and if I download a ROM with the Loki patch, will that bypass the error message I'm getting. I searched the forums but am not understanding what was written. I'm pretty confused, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, to sum up development in this forum for the last 3 months: The ATT version of the S4 has a locked bootloader, which is a fancy way of saying ATT and Samsung don't want custom software on their phone partitions. To keep people from installing custom ROMs, their bootloader requires a verified signature present in the ROM to actually allow the device to boot.
An individual found a way to trick this verification process, and created a patch for it called LOKI.
When a ROM is "Loki'd" it contains this workaround for the verification process in the bootloader, allowing custom software to be installed.
To answer your question, when you root your phone and install the recovery (TWRP or OUDHS): a ROM must be lokied to work. OUDHS recovery has a feature which automatically installs the workaround in every ROM you flash using the utility. I recommend this version of Clockwork Recovery.
The link is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2291956
I personally use the nightly CyanogenMod 10.1 builds for the ATT S4 (called jlteatt). They're quick and stable except for a few quirks with the camera, call-audio via headsets, and bluetooth audio.
The link to download is here:
http://get.cm/?device=jflteatt
*This version of CM 10.1 is already Loki'd
Have fun flashing, and if all else fails and you accidentally run into a scenario where you can't boot your phone, use this utility to restore the factory OS that comes with the phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
Furies said:
So, to some up development in this forum for the last 3 months: The ATT version of the S4 has a locked bootloader, which is a fancy way of saying ATT and Samsung don't want custom software on their phone partitions. To keep people from installing custom ROMs, their bootloader requires a verified signature present in the ROM to actually allow the device to boot.
An individual found a way to trick this verification process, and created a patch for it called LOKI.
When a ROM is "Loki'd" it contains this workaround for the verification process in the bootloader, allowing custom software to be installed.
To answer your question, when you root your phone and install the recovery (TWRP or OUDHS): a ROM must be lokied to work. OUDHS recovery has a feature which automatically installs the workaround in every ROM you flash using the utility. I recommend this version of Clockwork Recovery.
The link is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2291956
I personally use the nightly CyanogenMod 10.1 builds for the ATT S4 (called jlteatt). They're quick and stable except for a few quirks with the camera, call-audio via headsets, and bluetooth audio.
The link to download is here:
http://get.cm/?device=jflteatt
*This version of CM 10.1 is already Loki'd
Have fun flashing, and if all else fails and you accidentally run into a scenario where you can't boot your phone, use this utility to restore the factory OS that comes with the phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, thanks very much. So I was indeed on the right track. I'll try your ROM recommendation as well as the modified CWM recovery.

[Q] Many Advanced Questions Regarding ROMs

I am getting into development more and have a new load of questions. And yes, I searched first.
Do all Roms include firmware(OS), kernal, baseband, and boot loader?
Do over-the-air updates include the baseband and boot loader, or only the kernal and firmware/(OS).
I once used the Wugfreth toolkit to reinstall the stock ROM. It flashed the baseband with the same version and then attempted to flash the boot loader with the same version, but failed. How can I JUST flash the kernal and firmware/os.
This may be dumb question, but what language is the boot loader and baseband written in? Is it encrypted, or can anyone edit it and flash?
What happens if the boot loader, baseband, kernal, and firmware versions do not match?
I did not know the ROM included the bootloader, and I almost purposely flash the ROM of another device to see what would happen, figuring I could have restored using fastboot. But that probably would have hard-bricked it, right? I thought flashing a ROM was completely safe because it did not touch the boot loader, and could always be undone with fastboot?
How do you developers test out modified bootloaders without making a simple coding mistake and ruining your device?
How can you flash a bootloader using itself (fastboot)?
I saw a post for a different device for changing the boot loader logo. Not the firmware's boot animation. I don't want mine to say "Google" with an unlock icon. Can this be done on the Nexus 7?
I read the partition sizes are determined by the boot loader, and not adjustable. Is this correct? I am running stock 4.4.3 and only have 11MB free on the system partition. How do custom Roms fit within this limit? I am worried this will prevent a custom ROM based in 5.0 Lollipop, and the Nexus 7 2012 will be stuck on Kitkat. Maybe the firmware could be loaded on the data partition with a symbolic link to the system partition?
Thank you
I'm not a developer, but can answer some of your questions (at least as they relate specifically to the Nexus 7).
Custom ROMS typically just include the firmware/kernel (and i believe the radio/baseband if it's for a 3g/mobile device, though these can also be flashed separately, and i could be wrong on this part.) Bootloader is typically untouched, but this might differ on other devices.
As for OTA updates and what all they include, well that depends on the device, manufacturer, carrier, and even the specific OTA. It could potentially include everything (firmware/kernel updates, bootloader, radio/baseband, etc.), but may be any combination of the different components.
Available free space on the system partition doesn't really matter if you're flashing a new ROM, because you'll be wiping the partition as part of the flashing process. ROMs typically don't include GAPPS either (unless it's just a modified version of stock), so will actually take up much less room than the stock ROM on their own. Then you can decide which GAPPS to flash separately, there are various packages available in different sizes; some just include the basic google play services needed to have the play store and related basic functionality, others will mirror the stock pre-installed apps.
If you're using a custom recovery to flash a ROM, they typically contain a script to first verify the device matches, if not, it won't even flash. If you do manage to flash an incompatible ROM (via fastboot maybe, or if it doesn't include a verification script), with a Nexus this typically is not a big deal, you just won't ever actually boot into the ROM, but should still be able to boot into recovery or bootloader and then flash a compatible ROM.
If you flash an incompatible kernel on top of a ROM, you'll likely get a bootloop/softbricked device.
Flashing an incompatible bootloader may brick the device. Any tinkering with the bootloader is always risky.
Hope that helps a little, I'll take another look when I'm not at work
flyoffacliff said:
I am getting into development more and have a new load of questions. And yes, I searched first.
Do all Roms include firmware(OS), kernal, baseband, and boot loader?
Do over-the-air updates include the baseband and boot loader, or only the kernal and firmware/(OS).
I once used the Wugfreth toolkit to reinstall the stock ROM. It flashed the baseband with the same version and then attempted to flash the boot loader with the same version, but failed. How can I JUST flash the kernal and firmware/os.
This may be dumb question, but what language is the boot loader and baseband written in? Is it encrypted, or can anyone edit it and flash?
What happens if the boot loader, baseband, kernal, and firmware versions do not match?
I did not know the ROM included the bootloader, and I almost purposely flash the ROM of another device to see what would happen, figuring I could have restored using fastboot. But that probably would have hard-bricked it, right? I thought flashing a ROM was completely safe because it did not touch the boot loader, and could always be undone with fastboot?
How do you developers test out modified bootloaders without making a simple coding mistake and ruining your device?
How can you flash a bootloader using itself (fastboot)?
I saw a post for a different device for changing the boot loader logo. Not the firmware's boot animation. I don't want mine to say "Google" with an unlock icon. Can this be done on the Nexus 7?
I read the partition sizes are determined by the boot loader, and not adjustable. Is this correct? I am running stock 4.4.3 and only have 11MB free on the system partition. How do custom Roms fit within this limit? I am worried this will prevent a custom ROM based in 5.0 Lollipop, and the Nexus 7 2012 will be stuck on Kitkat. Maybe the firmware could be loaded on the data partition with a symbolic link to the system partition?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. roms dont include a bootloader.
2. no
3. easily in a custom recovery.
4. i have no idea, and its the most secure part of the device.
5. nothing.
6. roms DO NOT EVER include bootloaders.
7. developers on nexus devices never modify the bootloader. first off, its extremely tedious and difficult. secondly, there is no need, as our bootloaders are unlockable and lockable.
8. it overwrites itself, but you are on your computer using fastboot, phone is just plugged into it.
9. no.
10. each partition has its own size. roms go into a partition that also holds your storage, and is separated from the storage. another reason why you dont have 16gb storage when you buy a 16gb device, because some of it gets allocated to the system.

Help! Urgently need Hashcode's kernel flash-vzw-de-4.4-kernel-v1.0.zip - JB DE Note 3

from this thread/post by Hashcode, to install KK "4.4.2 Stock Root Odex/DeOdex [04/23/14]" by BeansTown106 on dev edition note 3:
I have a dev edition VZW Note 3 still with the 4.3 (JellyBean) bootloader / aboot. Obviously I can't just flash the 4.4 aboot without locking it and turning it into a retail version.
I'm aware of the bootloader unlock using the CID exploit to convert any VZ Note 3 into a dev edition version, however, I'd like to avoid modifying my CID and want to keep it as is.
Apparently, there is this kernel that will let the "older" dev edition to run a 4.4-based rom. The links in the post seem to have expired, or are no longer working now;
"(Goo.im)"
"(Crackflashers)"
I also did a search for that file on google, and nothing useful came up.
With a regular 4.4.2 kernel, my phone just gets stuck at the "Note 3" screen after running the kernel, it won't get to /system, if I use the de-odex rom's kernel from Hashcode, the 4.3 bootloader won't even run the kernel and just freezes. I'd really appreciate it if someone could re-post it with a link here, if they still happen to have that modified 4.4.2 kernel for the dev edition, it is called
flash-vzw-de-4.4-kernel-v1.0.zip
supposedly it also needs this file, but I'm sure it'll still work without it:
flash-tw44-sys-files-fixes-v1.0.zip
If anyone still happens to have these files, I would really appreciate it they could post a link for download.
There is a link for the kernel source in that post, but I'm not really good at compiling my own kernels.
Thanks for any assistance
newuser134 said:
from this thread/post by Hashcode, to install KK "4.4.2 Stock Root Odex/DeOdex [04/23/14]" by BeansTown106 on dev edition note 3:
I have a dev edition VZW Note 3 still with the 4.3 (JellyBean) bootloader / aboot. Obviously I can't just flash the 4.4 aboot without locking it and turning it into a retail version.
I'm aware of the bootloader unlock using the CID exploit to convert any VZ Note 3 into a dev edition version, however, I'd like to avoid modifying my CID and want to keep it as is.
Apparently, there is this kernel that will let the "older" dev edition to run a 4.4-based rom. The links in the post seem to have expired, or are no longer working now;
"(Goo.im)"
"(Crackflashers)"
I also did a search for that file on google, and nothing useful came up.
With a regular 4.4.2 kernel, my phone just gets stuck at the "Note 3" screen after running the kernel, it won't get to /system, if I use the de-odex rom's kernel from Hashcode, the 4.3 bootloader won't even run the kernel and just freezes. I'd really appreciate it if someone could re-post it with a link here, if they still happen to have that modified 4.4.2 kernel for the dev edition, it is called
flash-vzw-de-4.4-kernel-v1.0.zip
supposedly it also needs this file, but I'm sure it'll still work without it:
flash-tw44-sys-files-fixes-v1.0.zip
If anyone still happens to have these files, I would really appreciate it they could post a link for download.
There is a link for the kernel source in that post, but I'm not really good at compiling my own kernels.
Thanks for any assistance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Suggest you try to PM hashcode if you haven't already.
For what it's worth... I am running Jasmine 6.1 (based on lollipop OF1) witb the lean kernal and NC4 bootloader. I am not seeing any issues with that combination.
I do have a TWRP backup of the bootloader if that would do you any good.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
donc113 said:
Suggest you try to PM hashcode if you haven't already.
For what it's worth... I am running Jasmine 6.1 (based on lollipop OF1) witb the lean kernal and NC4 bootloader. I am not seeing any issues with that combination.
I do have a TWRP backup of the bootloader if that would do you any good.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Thanks for your offer to help. I wish that would work. I'm assuming you have a retail version Note 3 that was bootloader unlocked with the CID conversion method, right?
I can always do it that way, but then I will have to change my phone's CID, which is a unique number to the device. That's what converts any retail Note 3 into a dev edition Note 3.
The phone I have came as a dev edition (unlocked bootloader) from the manufacturer. That means it has a bootloader from factory with a signature in it matching my original CID. Obviously that makes it impossible for me to use anybody else's bootloader other than my own, unless I also change my CID to theirs (which defeats the purpose because my phone already has an unlocked bootloader).
My problem is that my bootloader is Android 4.3-based (JellyBean), not 4.4 (KitKat). Any Android version above 4.3 WILL run on the 4.4 bootloader. That's why your Lollipop-based (Android 5.x-based) rom will run on a 4.4 (KitKat)-based bootloader. The bootloader I have is older than KitKat, it's from Android JellyBean (4.3). The version of the bootloader that you have is exactly what I need, but not just from any phone, it would have to be "signed" with the CID from my phone.
You CANNOT backup the bootloader (aboot) with twrp, what you have backed up, is the BOOT partition, boot.img, which is the kernel image or backup. Bootlader is even at a lower level on your phone than kernel, it's the very first thing that runs when you power up your phone, which shows the "Note 3 - Custom" screen while it's booting up. It's what you overwrote when you unlocked your bootloader, if that's what you did. Be very careful that you NEVER overwrite it from what you have now, otherwise you will either lock your phone back, or you will hard brick it.
You can backup your bootloader (or aboot) using either ADB from a pc, or from Terminal Emulator app (if your phone is rooted) with this set of commands:
su <enter>
dd if=dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/aboot of=/mnt/extSdCard/aboot.mbn <enter>
Don't type <enter>, that just means you hit enter after typing the command(s).
That set of commands will produce a backup file called "aboot.mbn", which is exactly 2.0 Mb, on the main directory of you external sd card if you need to keep it for later. DO NOT ever try to write to the aboot partition unless you know what you're doing, and DO NOT enter the commands above incorrectly, it could easily hard-brick your phone, it cannot be recovered from that if it gets hard-bricked.
Anyway, what you have backed up with twrp, is boot.img, a backup of the lean kernel you use. It should be stored in your TWRP "BACKUP" folder, along with an MD5 file, they are called boot.emmc.win and boot.emmc.win.md5 depending on your version of twrp, the first file should be between 10 to 12 Mb, the md5 file is under 1Kb, like maybe 48 bytes. Could you get those two files and share them with me, I might be able to use the lean kernel to fix my issue. If you are unable to post a link to share those with me, or link them on this thread to share, could you point me to where you downloaded the lean kernel you use from? You should be able to share those files with dropbox or google drive or something similar.
Thank you again
newuser134 said:
Hi,
Thanks for your offer to help. I wish that would work. I'm assuming you have a retail version Note 3 that was bootloader unlocked with the CID conversion method, right?
I can always do it that way, but then I will have to change my phone's CID, which is a unique number to the device. That's what converts any retail Note 3 into a dev edition Note 3.
The phone I have came as a dev edition (unlocked bootloader) from the manufacturer. That means it has a bootloader from factory with a signature in it matching my original CID. Obviously that makes it impossible for me to use anybody else's bootloader other than my own, unless I also change my CID to theirs (which defeats the purpose because my phone already has an unlocked bootloader).
My problem is that my bootloader is Android 4.3-based (JellyBean), not 4.4 (KitKat). Any Android version above 4.3 WILL run on the 4.4 bootloader. That's why your Lollipop-based (Android 5.x-based) rom will run on a 4.4 (KitKat)-based bootloader. The bootloader I have is older than KitKat, it's from Android JellyBean (4.3). The version of the bootloader that you have is exactly what I need, but not just from any phone, it would have to be "signed" with the CID from my phone.
You CANNOT backup the bootloader (aboot) with twrp, what you have backed up, is the BOOT partition, boot.img, which is the kernel image or backup. Bootlader is even at a lower level on your phone than kernel, it's the very first thing that runs when you power up your phone, which shows the "Note 3 - Custom" screen while it's booting up. It's what you overwrote when you unlocked your bootloader, if that's what you did. Be very careful that you NEVER overwrite it from what you have now, otherwise you will either lock your phone back, or you will hard brick it.
You can backup your bootloader (or aboot) using either ADB from a pc, or from Terminal Emulator app (if your phone is rooted) with this set of commands:
su
dd if=dev/block/platform/msm_sdcc.1/by-name/aboot of=/mnt/extSdCard/aboot.mbn
Don't type , that just means you hit enter after typing the command(s).
That set of commands will produce a backup file called "aboot.mbn", which is exactly 2.0 Mb, on the main directory of you external sd card if you need to keep it for later. DO NOT ever try to write to the aboot partition unless you know what you're doing, and DO NOT enter the commands above incorrectly, it could easily hard-brick your phone, it cannot be recovered from that if it gets hard-bricked.
Anyway, what you have backed up with twrp, is boot.img, a backup of the lean kernel you use. It should be stored in your TWRP "BACKUP" folder, along with an MD5 file, they are called boot.emmc.win and boot.emmc.win.md5 depending on your version of twrp, the first file should be between 10 to 12 Mb, the md5 file is under 1Kb, like maybe 48 bytes. Could you get those two files and share them with me, I might be able to use the lean kernel to fix my issue. If you are unable to post a link to share those with me, or link them on this thread to share, could you point me to where you downloaded the lean kernel you use from? You should be able to share those files with dropbox or google drive or something similar.
Thank you again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towards the bottom of this post is a link to the lean kernel under dev edition options (part of the Jasmine 6.1 announcement.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62769340
Yes.. On aboot... The code for the exploit is on github under beaups and if you read YOUR cid and then use that and YOUR aboot signature you can redo YOUR cid and signature to re unlock your dev edition.
Read these 2 threads
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3359370
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=66068899
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
donc113 said:
Towards the bottom of this post is a link to the lean kernel under dev edition options (part of the Jasmine 6.1 announcement.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62769340
Yes.. On aboot... The code for the exploit is on github under beaups and if you read YOUR cid and then use that and YOUR aboot signature you can redo YOUR cid and signature to re unlock your dev edition.
Read these 2 threads
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3359370
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=66068899
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very grateful that you let me know about the exploit code on how to use your own original CID and maybe sign the new 4.4 bootloader with my own CID. That was very nice to point me in that direction. Looks like I need to do a little research and figure out how to do that.
Now I wonder though that if I upgrade my bootloader to the next version, even if I am able to unlock my dev edition again, if I'll be able to use use JellyBean android with the newer aboot if KitKat or Lollipop don't work out for me?! I am under the impression that once you upgrade your bootloader, you CANNOT roll it back, it blacklists all the older aboot versions. Looks like I also need to figure out if older kernels will run on the newer bootloader, the reverse of what I am having trouble with now, with a newer kernel and older bootloader problem.
newuser134 said:
I'm very grateful that you let me know about the exploit code on how to use your own original CID and maybe sign the new 4.4 bootloader with my own CID. That was very nice to point me in that direction. Looks like I need to do a little research and figure out how to do that.
Now I wonder though that if I upgrade my bootloader to the next version, even if I am able to unlock my dev edition again, if I'll be able to use use JellyBean android with the newer aboot if KitKat or Lollipop don't work out for me?! I am under the impression that once you upgrade your bootloader, you CANNOT roll it back, it blacklists all the older aboot versions. Looks like I also need to figure out if older kernels will run on the newer bootloader, the reverse of what I am having trouble with now, with a newer kernel and older bootloader problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The original code for an S5 us here:
https://github.com/beaups/SamsungCID?files=1
There's also a Sam_Dunk pdf that explains the exploit.
My SLIGHTLY modified version of beaups code is in the zip located here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=66529761
Hopefully you can read and modify C code, I compiled it right on my Note 3 using C4DROID app and its GCC module.
@beaups can probably tell you if the exploit can be used to go backwards on ABOOT
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
donc113 said:
The original code for an S5 us here:
https://github.com/beaups/SamsungCID?files=1
There's also a Sam_Dunk pdf that explains the exploit.
My SLIGHTLY modified version of beaups code is in the zip located here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=66529761
Hopefully you can read and modify C code, I compiled it right on my Note 3 using C4DROID app and its GCC module.
@beaups can probably tell you if the exploit can be used to go backwards on ABOOT
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you
I know enough C to probably figure it out. I'm glad to hear that it is possible to compile code on the phone with an app, I haven't used a PC for years to compile any kind of computer code, it's a lot easier to setup an android phone for that. I will give it a try.
I wasn't able to get stock (or de-odexed) KitKat 4.4.2 to work on the older aboot even with Lean Kernel. I was, however, able to get get the latest version of Jasmine Rom (to which you provided the link to get Lean Kernel from its post ), even though it's even newer than KitKat 4.4.2! As you said, Jasmine Rom 6.1 is Lollipop-based, KitKat 4.4.2 is a lot closer to my own JellyBean aboot (4.3), so if Android 5.0 or 5.1 is working on the old aboot, I don't see why Android 4.4.2 should be able to work?! I know for sure it has something to do with the kernel, I know if I flash the right kernel, it will work. Stupid somewhat-locked bootloader! On older phones with truly unlocked, unsigned bootloaders, once the bootloader handed the chain to the kernel, it would care less if they were "compatible", the kernel would then run and boot into /system. These signed/encrypted bootloaders, along with secure boot being on on the phone, aren't really unlocked even when unlocked, they just enforce slightly less when checking for boot.img or recovery.img signature, they still check for version and compatibility. I've never had an issue with a bootloader version not being compatible with kernel version, the bootloader's purpose is just to load the operating system or kernel. Ever heard of a PC's bios not being compatible with a version of Windows or Linux?!
I confirmed with someone else's dev edition phone that the new aboot (version 4.4) will NOT boot into old Android 4.3 JellyBean, so since downgrading aboot may not be possible, I will hold on upgrading my aboot for now till I figure out more. If Lollipop will work with the older aboot, then KitKat must be able to as well, it's just a question of figuring it out eventually, and getting the right kernel. Maybe I'll have to start learning on how to modify kernels and turn on/off kernel modules.
Thank you for all your help again. I'll get your code and look at it a little later once I figure it out a little more.

Can't upgrade to Lollipop

I have an SM-N900V model running Android 4.4.4. When I check for system updates, I get this message: "Your Samsung SM-N900V is up to date." Is Lollipop not available for my model, or is there another way to install it? I'd also be interested in rooting and installing a custom rom, if that's yet possible for this model number.
There's aways Odin if you don't mind the backing up / restoring of the (internal, psuedo-) SDcard.
There are rooting methods for OF1 in the general forum. (Some folks find them to posses "unsavory" characteristics e.g. use of an unknown executable on a PC)
I can't remember whether towelroot works on 4.4. That might be worth a try just before committing to a full stock / wipe Odin experience.
The bootloader unlock thread is in the general forum. Read THE ENTIRE THREAD before you start in on it.
If you are able to root your current ROM, you can unlock your bootloader* and immediately flash twrp to the recovery partition which would allow you to backup your current ROM (and use "flashable" installer .zip bundles e.g. the SuperSU installer)
*Note that booting a custom kernel or recovery after bootloader unlock blows the knox warranty flag, and this has implications beyond the cosmetics; even after reverting to pure stock there is a loss of functionality relating to TrustZone behavior. (I was using an app that isn't particularly security related, and it blows up with qseecom errors even on stock roms now. Not sure why it ends up invoking TZ functionality as it doesn't do encryption nor use any auth key credentials; but there you go - unintended consequences.)
There are a ton of recent Android vuln disclosures that more than likely are exploitable, but it would appear that there are no Note3 devs looking at them.
good luck

had to give back note 7 so im resurrecting my note 3 thats still on mje/4.3

I was wondering if someone could give me a direct answer because i cant seem to find one sifting through the forums.
I originally rooted with root master back when i got the phone. it is still on mje/4.3 stock build. things look a little more complicated then i remember, since my phone hasn't seen an update in over 3 years. I originally froze the verizon ota updates with tibackup, along with all the other bloatware.
My main questions are:
1. I would like to get a 6.0 Rom that looks like the note 7 did, can i do it all with odin and just flash a bunch of files?
2. Do I need a custom recovery like twrp or cwm?
3. I've read about an activation lock but can't find it in my menus, did it not exist yet on 4.3?
If anyone can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it, I really dont wanna brick my phone.
I'm still on MJE firmware, but using an older CM13 (temasek) ROM. So it's marshmallow but no Touchwiz or other Samsung add-ons.
Here are the MJE-specific issues:
1) You can't boot N* or O* stock kernels because of differences in the way that DTB (device tree blobs) are packed into the boot image. I've played with re-packing the boot images, but the kernels seem to run off into the weeds after a few tens of seconds.
2) TowelRoot works on MI9 through NC2(leak) but I think not thereafter - if you wanted to avoid a bootloader firmware upgrade but re-flash via Odin the MJE firmware for "starting from scratch" purposes, you have a means to re-root that does not require a PC.
3) If you retain the MJE bootloader, use the TWRP (hltevzw) -4.3 recovery; the -4.4 recovery will not boot, presumably due to issues similar to (1) above.
4) Not specific to MJE - but important - is the fact that if you want to boot either a custom kernel or custom recovery, you need to unlock your bootloader first. You can unlock your bootloader from any rooted ROM, but be aware that flashing stock firmware with Odin thereafter will re-lock the bootloader.
If you were to "start from scratch" but upgrade to more recent stock software before rooting, be aware that there is no publicly available root for NC4 or NK1; you would need to install stock OB6 or OF1, and follow that by using those "yemen" rooting tools. (Are they safe to use? I don't know frankly)
I am assuming that the N* and O* series bootloaders are backwards compatible with regard to device tree booting issues (see #1 above), because the temasek CM13 roms (having a custom kernel) boot on both OF1- and (my) MJE- bootloader phone. I guess that means it uses a "4.3" DTB packing in the boot image.
You are probably going to want to use TiBu to make important backups, and also copy everything off the phone that is important to you. You should assume that if anything goes wrong, an Odin re-install and factory reset are in the device's future.
Having said all this, I'm not sure there is such a thing as a ROM which "looks like Note7" - this is an old phone with almost no ROM developers left. There might have been more, but the bootloader unlock was achieved 2+ years after the phone's release, and most of the active developers moved on to new phones before that happened.
good luck

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