yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Shotjas:
Anyone else getting a different boot screen? I can't screen shot it, but it says Samsung Custom with a padlock unlocked. No idea what that is. After displaying that, it goes back to normal boot screens and Verizon loop that blinds the holy hell out of me.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thornev:
I'm sure we all get it. I do. Probably Samsung's way of saying "We know what you're doing!" No problem.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] shadowfiber:
Any love for the AT&T users? :o
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] troyvoy88:
yeah I am getting the padlock :)

I like it makes me feel like a rebel.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] VincentDHam:
So we only have root right now? no recovery? just to be clear...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jova33:
If you Odin back to official firmware, then run triangle away, it will supposedly work. Haven't attempted it yet, but have read it only works with stock everything. I really don't want to go through the trouble for something I only see for 3 seconds upon boot, but if I ever need to do a warranty replacement I want to see if it works. $2 on play store, free on xda.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] heyazzo:
Triangle away

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.triangleaway&hl=en

Worfh da money...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] ddemlong:
Bam formatted via the PC on a card reader to extFAT, transferred files, ran the script and I am rooted! :good:

Now to reinstall OTA Root Keeper and Super user Pro to make sue I wont loose it again.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] cgdoc519:
Worked perfectly!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] spaceplustime:
Root works perfectly, thanks!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Addiso:
Root is one thing, an unlocked bootloader is another. Maybe that's how they felt. I didn't doubt root will be achieved, just waiting on the hard part.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pstgh:
terminal?

Ok- feel free to call me an idiot here, but when I type in the command $ cd /mnt/extSdcard in my android terminal emulator (jackpal), I'm getting /systembin/sh: cd: /mnt/extSdcard: No such file or directory

?

Perhaps I need a cup of coffee before trying this...?

Thanks for the assistance.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Addiso:
Did you format your sdcard to exfat?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jstoneky:
Thanks sir, thats a fantastic deal. Returned my 2 non dev editions that I bought for retail.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pstgh:
root bounty pay-out?

OK- so this works perfectly for root.

So to be clear, who/how are we to pay out our bounty commitment for root now that we have it?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Addiso:
This bounty is for root AND recovery.

No bounty is given to the person of root, but of course donations to him are always accepted as well. The first to have recovery working or unlocked bootloader gets this bounty.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] FahQue:
[WORKED] Steps I followed

First off, let me thank everyone for their hard work in regaining root!

I too had a hard time with segment faults, etc. Here are the steps that I followed to regain root.

With the new method identified in Post 1395

Prereqs: Terminal App (download from play store)

Windows - Format an extra MicroSD as extFat

Copy all files from the zip to the root of the card

Remount the card on the phone

On phone, in terminal: cd /mnt/extSdCard

On phone, in terminal: sh ./pwn

On phone, in terminal: ./script.sh

Rock the root

I hope this can help some who are having trouble.

---------- Post added at 07:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:27 AM ----------

Either on Mac or Windows, after root obtained:

adb shell

su (Note, you may have to grant the shell on your phone after typing this)

mount -o remount,rw /system

cd /system/app

mv FWUpgrade.apk FWUpgrade.apk.bak

mv FWUpgrade.odex FWUpgrade.odex.bak

mv SDM.apk SDM.apk.bak

mv SDM.odex SDM.odex.bak

exit

For good measure, I rebooted the phone after this.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Virtudon:
off topic

This is great news for those stuck with the update but for those of us that didn't take the update anyone know when we will get an updated rom?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] cjkacz:
This is essentially the update but for rooted users. Been trying it out. Works pretty good

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2376140
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] jackwagon06:
Im in for $10.00 for the root/recovery if its not to late to pitch in.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Harleydroid:
Just ordered mine and got it 2 days ago with mdk on it. Rooted and romd it instantly
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] lycwolf:
So, quick question now.

Since we have Root, what's holding back recovery? Can we not just flash a new recovery from Rom Manager or something? Does a new Recovery have to be made that works correctly?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] r_hippy:
Have you ever tried to decrypted these roms / aboot / kernels and see the thousands of lines of code..

These devs are smart but also have lives..
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] SmokeyMon:
Just wait for the OP to say " pay the man" and who the man is. (Or woman). There is still some meat on that bone to attain the bounty.

Recovery is a tougher nut to crack.

Congrats guys. It appears this was achieved using an existing exploit? Awesome work! Hopefully this means they are a bit sloppy and a vulnerability can be found for the boot loader.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] lycwolf:
Actually, the better question would be. Is there a write-up somewhere as to how the process works? IE, What it takes to load custom firmware on a phone... I've been rooting and romming for years, but never dove into the technical side.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mirceab:
My understanding is that the boot loader requires a properly signed recovery image and kernel. The new update fixes a vulnerability that the Loki exploit used to bypass that validity check.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hunsinger89:
I just have to say sir... Kudos. this worked perfectly. I had a me7 from the factory, and i ran this 2x and poof ROOT ACCESS. thanks again!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Bloodcrav:
Has it been looked into yet some kinda bootstrap similar to safestrap?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] droidstyle:
+1
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cruiserdude:
I just did it on Clean Rom on my S3 and it worked great.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rpitera:
I've been following this thread since the beginning and as a result I never took the OTA and stuck with with my MDK and Hyperdrive, but I wanted to congratulate all the devs and users on their progress. Nice work... next stop, recovery!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hallstevenson:
Re-read the instructions again and follow them exactly to the letter. That means no extra spaces in a command, no "\" in place of "/", no lower-case letter in place of a capital letter, etc.

I see what you did wrong and the message gives you a clue. Not trying to be an ass, just like to see people figure things out ;)
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] dvsgod:
When it comes down to recovery and bootloader, is this still going to be the open forum or is word on progress moving to the me7 root forum?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] igotgame:
So my friend has never rooted his S4. If he accepts the new Verizon update, will the newly found root method work for him?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] SmokeyMon:
It should. The results seem to be very repeatable. If he has not updated yet there are ways for him to root then update and keep root.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] andybones:
yes but then he cant flash roms, big mistake to take the OTA IMHO
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] cjkacz:
Agree. There is a rom out now that has everything the update does but won't break root
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] droidstyle:
Folks, it has been stated a few times now that root has been achieved on ME7. Further questions should be posted in the appropiate root threads located in the dev section.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Antdagod:
Question, and I'm sure this has already been asked, but this thread is moving quickly (it's hard for me to keep up); so forgive me if you guys already answered this before. I've obtained root access (thanks again for that, to all involved), now I'd like to know how exactly do I go about blocking OTA updates? Do I have to do it from my computer? Or is it a way I can block OTA updates from my actually device, via some type of app? I don't wanna deal with anymore upcoming OTA updates, so figuring out how to block them is a MUST.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] heyazzo:
The truth.

I have found that a person has to "knowingly, and intelligibly" accept an update. This means your rights end there as a consumer to use known vulnerabilities to

/*

//kernel, //aboot, and //system

*/

I'll venture that the framework with this update introduces TIMA, Access Controls for SeLinux, however permissive, but a crouching tiger, and othe issues with assertions associated with this platform. The sparkling new image created should have the new keys embedded with the same stuff, and create an event that locks out the platform from taking over if it sees a threat.

---------- Post added at 11:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 AM ----------

Maybe getting titanium backup from the play store, and freezing SDM and FWUpdate...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Rebel908:
Curious, looking through Titanium Back Up and saw the two system items "Key Chain 4.2.2-I545VRUAME7" and "KeyguardBackupRestore 1.0"

Are these of consequence?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] PWM978:
This CAN NOT be stressed enough.

Advise people accordingly to please not do it (if you at ALL want to be able to flash custom ROMs).

You have to understand that finding vulnerabilities is TEDIOUS work. If you have never done this sort of work, you have to understand the process of discovery is not only excruciatingly time consuming, but then the mere release or mention of your discovery will cause the vulnerability to be patched forever - this is why many folks never disclose (for various reasons - to each their own). What Dan had done for the initial GS4 firmware, was not only a very nice find and well executed exploit - it was exceedingly generous in terms of knowledge sharing (as we know, now that hole is closed for good - What benefit will Dan ever see from it now?).

The fortunate part about escalating privileges (root) is that we have the ENTIRE Linux security community looking for these vulnerabilities (extremely large, talented, and tireless groups of researchers) which many times, we can then port and leverage on Android.

The fact of the matter is, boot loader and recovery issues are DEVICE specific. That means, we are losing that whole VERY LARGE group of skilled people for a VERY SMALL group of skilled people. That doesn't mean that it can't/won't be done - it means less resources/same problems.

Do not take updates to devices which you don't know what they do (assuming you wan't control of your property)! That really can't be stressed enough. You have to understand that having the expectation that someone should spend tireless weeks/months for your digital freedom is completely unreasonable. Not to mention, that anyone with the skill set to accomplish these tasks are typically NOT in the position where they are destitute - those types of skills (reversing, fuzzing, exploitation, crypto analysis, C/ASM) are in high demand with low supply. Most do it for the chess match and love of the game.

Please be patient - but align expectations with reality.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Antdagod:
You don't sound to sure about this method. Do you know for sure this will work? Or are you just taking a guess? Either way, thanks for assisting. I appreciate the help.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thesoldier:
He said it that way because that topic has been asked so many times in numerous threads. Freezing or deleting SDM.apk will work. I've never touched FWUpdate.apk but you could delete that too to be safe.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] skynet11:
There are usually several options for blocking updates, and using Titanium Backup to freeze the two system apps that facilitate OTA updates is one of them, a good one if you don't have a custom ROM but are running stock rooted.

EDIT: ninja'd :p
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Antdagod:
Thanks, I was sure the topic was asked and answered multiple times. But I'm new to this site so I didn't see the numerous threads. That's why I apologized in advance for asking tge question.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Antdagod:
Thanks, I will freeze both of those ASAP
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cruiserdude:
Everyone still curious about the state of this new update needs to go back and read what PWM said. It's quite clear that this device cannot be easily reverted back to old builds, so just like Motorola, you had better be sure you know what you're getting before you take an update.

I know that it hasn't been an issue with past Samsung devices to just Odin back to whatever build you want, but this is no longer the case. If you just want the improvements in the new software, you should understand that zips exist to flash the relevant parts in recovery to bring you these improvements, without the nasty bootchain and kernel level things that block our fun and prevent you from downgrading. When the next update comes I'm sure the same thing will happen, and you should wait until you have a flash able zip that has been tested to work and not break anything. Those of us custom roms can just wait until our devs of choice rebase relevant parts of their code off of the update. If you get tired of waiting, learn to do it yourself and contribute your newfound skills.

It all comes down to the fact that Verizon is Samsung's customer, not us. If you find a way to take ownership of your own phone, you should manage the software yourself from now on. If you let Verizon do it, it will become their device again in short order.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Crystallized:
Regarding Wifi Tether AFTER Root

Does anyone know any good Wifi Tethering app after obtaining root? I use the "Personal Wifi Hotspot" one and it still checks with Verizon about my subscription to wifi tether. I'm on a grandfathered unlimited plan, so I'm looking for a tethering solution that bypasses the "subscription check".

Thanks in advance!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] prstorero:
I read foxfi still works

prshosting.org
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] magneticzero:
In order for foxfi to work you must download the app and let it install a certificate but in order to do that you have to setup your phone to be password protected...and yes it works..but having a password protected device is a pita in my case.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Grizzy3:
Foxfi works for me and my phone isn't password protected. The Verizon notification pops up when I turn the hotspot on, but I just hit the Home button and it works fine.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Crystallized:
Wondering

From what I understand, FoxFi still checks for a subscription. I used to use other wifi tethering apps that never checked for a subscription. Is this a new thing with Verizon that can't be bypassed anymore?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cruiserdude:
Given TrevE's Wifi Tether a shot?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Crystallized:
Wondering...

What is the usage limit on the free verson of FoxFi?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thesoldier:
If you know how to use SQLite Editor, you can edit a single line that will add the Wifi Hotspot toggle in the notification panel that bypasses the Verizon subscription check.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Cruiserdude:
Even the iPhone doesn't have a huge group of people working together to crack it, it's just more visible when someone finally does. No matter how popular a device is, a group of people working to hack a particular smartphone is extremely small compared to the greater Linux security community as a whole, which is what he was referring to.

Achieving root on these devices typically uses the same kernel exploits a hacker would use to obtain root privileges on any other Linux system without the su password. The hardware platform is irrelevant as far as kernel level security exploits, and these are the types of things the greater Linux community explores that can be used on these devices.

Bootloader-level signature verification, however, is typically unique to each type of hardware, and custom solutions for said device are typically required. Thus, while various existing exploits can typically be modified to obtain root access on a particular device, bootloader unlocks, or even the types of workarounds that allow us to flash custom recoveries and boot custom kernels without a true unlock typically have to be created from the ground up. Occasionally the manufacturer throws us a bone, either intentionally or otherwise, but that's by no means a given.

Basically he's saying we'll still have to be quite patient, and avoid the update at all costs if you're still on MDK.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] JamesPumaEnjoi:
Very eloquent, coherent and articulate....well said
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] speedfreak228:
Anyone notice this after root?

Sorry for the flash. See how it says custom with an unlock? Sorry if this has been already posted
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] hunsinger89:
This is Samsung's way of telling you that they know you rooted your device :D
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] pwhitersxs:
I have that custom screen as well.

Also, my s4 always freezes on the Verizon logo and I have to pull the battery a couple times to get the phone to boot. Although this has been happening pre root.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] CompSCI:
This is standard after achieving root for this phone...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] speedfreak228:
Oh ok didn't root the old firmware. Don't think my note 2 did this.....
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] prstorero:
Verizon patched that in the me7 update. The sqlite hack doesn't work anymore

prshosting.org
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] riker147:
Just did it. Added Wifi Hotspot and Air gesture toggles. Worked fine for me.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] xsalemx:
That "unlocked" screen comes up for me once in a while after a reboot. The weird thing is that I haven't even attempted to root this phone.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] CompSCI:
Sure it does...

Download app => Click Me

Got to => Settings storage

Click => settings.db

Click => system

Search for "notification"

Highlight => notification_panel_active_app_list

Click the edit "pencil"

In the "value" section add "WiFiHotspot;" anywhere you like...

Restart phone

Note: Make sure your list ends with a semi-colon
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rav30p:
splash screen

no new splash screen for me yet....

Rebooted three times now...
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] shadowfiber:
Does this work on AT&T too?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] 318sugarhill:
I apologize for not reading up, but I had a death in the family, and a lot of traveling over the last few days. It appears almost 50 plus pages have been added since I last read. So, is it root and recovery or the full boatloader that is unlocked? And who do I send my pledge to for this fantastic gift to us?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] EWA7:
We have root but not recovery or unlocked bootloader.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] 318sugarhill:
Thanks. I feel like its been a week. I saw the root guide by openyoureyes and I jumped the gun I guess. Root alone will work for many, and that's all we had before Dan released Loki.but I need my custom tweaks. I just didn't want to be viewed as a deadbeat pledger!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] rmanaka:
Woo Hoo!

Just ordered! Thanks for the code!!!:laugh::good:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Dubbsy:
I really wish I knew more about all of this. When I finish up my main projects I'm going to start reading all I can find about gaining root manually. Not so much for the bounties in the future but to learn more about the phones themselves. It seems like it'll be a challenge to learn. :good:

sent from my GE gs4
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Redflea:
Excellent, worked perfectly on the ME7 ROM from Darkslide.

Thanks!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] DerrtyJones:
Hi guys! Can I use a different SD card when I root?

I have about 22gb of music and data stored on my card. Do I have to format that?

Or, can I use another microSD card to root, then switch back to my primary SD card after?

Thanks so much for the guidance! And, amazing job with the rooting!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Kaiya_FL:
You can use a different SD Card. That's what I did. I formatted a spare, copied the files, turned the phone off, removed the first one, inserted the spare, and turned it back on. After I ran the commands, turned the phone off again and swapped the cards. Turning the phone off may not be necessary but I did it as a precaution.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mrtruckincowboy:
Rooting won't wipe your external sdcard your ok
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] riker147:
Formatting it to exFat will. :thumbup:
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] sokrboot:
^

^

^

This.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thedeveloper1:
Is it possible to flash recovery via Odin?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] DerrtyJones:
Thanks so much for the fast reply! Going through the process now.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] johnthemixer:
Never Took OTA Can I use this ...

Question to those in the know.. im a newbe but I never took the OTA thaks I finally did sometign right .. and blocked it with titanium backup , now do I stay pat . or do i use this method to get the new update .

thanks just trying not to do sometime stupid..

not sure since i never took the updated if this solution is for me..

John
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] BeansTown106:
Damn almost $4k on a botloader unlock lol hopefully that's enough for a Samsung employee to leak a 2nd revision prototype bootchain
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] thornev:
Not with build ME7.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Sage_F:
not at the moment, only root for now.

---------- Post added at 08:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:49 PM ----------

I would root, flash the current MDK CWM or TWRP and pick a rom. DO NOT UPDATE if you want to flash a ROM or have any type of custom recovery.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] elliwigy:
if im not mistaken you can flash darkslides rom.. it will maintain root and custom recovery i believe.. just dont do a stock ota update n id think youd be fine. if unsure id just stay where you are at lol
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Protibus:
I never updated and am using Darkslide now. Very good ROM. Get everything in the ME7 release without the messy bootloader mess. It is a great alternative if your stayed with MDK.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] nicholi2789:
Yes stuff like that happens. That's why the Verizon S3 has an unlocked bootloader. Mr. Mysterious "African Canadian Sock Monkey" who was most likely a Verizon or Samsung employee, came out of nowhere and gave us the unlock. Without that, the S3 would probably still be locked. Or at least wouldn't have the full unlocked bootloader that it has. I'm sure someone is just sitting on it somewhere, watching this thread, waiting for it to climb a little higher then will drop us a line. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] :
Don't take the OTA and since you're on MDK just do this http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2301720. Future advice, your question is probably already answered in forum just have to go look for it. It's the best way to learn about this stuff. :)

---------- Post added at 09:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 PM ----------

Could you up my full bootloader unlock donation to $50, thanks!
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] resurektz:
I thought it was unlocked before the update?
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] Addiso:
Nope just a exploit workaround called loki.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mlin:
I'm sure it's happened before.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] resurektz:
Oh okay then, well thanks for clearing that up for me :p i thought it was unlocked because everyone was talking about different kernels and stuff. Anyways i hope someone gets this phone unlocked then.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] mzrdisi:
This works great, but the widget, WiFi tether widget, from the market does the same thing for less work and it's free. You get the error box, but instead of hitting cancel, just hit the home button to ignore it and tethering works as intended.
[Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4] fenguepay:
Ill put in $25