yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[General Topics] Howl1346:
I`m fairly sure there`s a seprate partition on the phone`s internal storage that houses system files and folders.

Imagine that you are locked into C:\Users\YOURUSERNAME\ and the phone treats that as the "main"

directory. That`s as high up as you can go.

So essentialy, we need to go higher than that, and get to C:\

The problem tho, is that the hard drive of the phone is split in two, one side is were you are allowed,

and one side is where the phone puts things like system files, and installed apps (probably)

I`m fairly sure this is more or less right, as I`ve tried deleting various folders that looked important, and nothing went wrong. (I did delete hidden files/folders too) The only thing I can think of, is that the phone is storing the REAL system folders/files somewhere else. A seprate partition would be the most likely option and would make the most sense.

Danng, this was WAY longer then I meant it to be, lol

EDIT: was looking at "patch0" in the firmware of the z1, found some code referecing to physical_partition_number="0"

sooo, looks like thats that ig, idk how to access that parition, but if we could, we could probably install apps by manualy pasting files, and stuff. Idk how one would go about that tho.

EDIT #2: I think apps are installed in "packages/apps/APPNAME"

On further investigation, I am almost 100% sure of this now.

EDIT #3: So in the firmware, there`s this "system.img" file...

thats the partition we`re after, if I can figure out how to open/edit it, then I think it would be possible to make a firmware thats exactly like gabbs, but with a few tweaks.

EDIT #4: I`m going to stop posting as much for now, its getting a little too much lol

BTW I found what i was looking for, opening "system.img" now!
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Looking at the same firmware ^^ I also found some stuff in the Z559DL_GABB_US_LOCKNETV2.0.ini file

[MAGIC_NUM]

set=262626

No clue what this is, but might be interesting??

"magic_num" grabbed my interest lol

EDIT: Found a line in "system.map"

/system/priv-app/PackageInstaller/PackageInstaller.apk 84543-84718

Just in case anyone needs to find the package installer.

the firmware is full of interesting stuff lol.

most of the important things are unreadable tho :l
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Opened:

I`ll look around, might be able to rewrite some stuff and hopefully learn a little bit.

This IS the Z1 firmware, so pretty much just a practice run FYI

EDIT: Looks like it might be possible just to drag and drop an APK file into the system/app/ folder and have it run. I still don`t know for sure. I`ll try my best to make a working Z2 ROM, though it might take a while.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
I`ve hit a bit of a snag.....

It seems that a good chunk of the code here is written in japanese.

I DONT KNOW JAPANESE!!

But hopefully that`s just the default code for the system, Gabbs trickery is hopefully written in english lol
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
That's actually pretty funny. If Gabb used Japanese to stop us...
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
Something I don't understand, but it's probably really obvious. Forgive my lack of knowledge on android devices; I specialize in hacking my school computer.

If an apk is unpackaged, does it matter where it is unpackaged to? Like on a computer, if I manage to unpackage a .exe file or .msi file, there will be a sort of application file inside that I can click on for the program to start. Also on a computer, it doesn't matter where the unpackaged app is located. To use as an example, I downloaded Musescore 3.0 (a music composing app) and it was a .msi Windows Package Installer file. Once it was unpackaged, there was a .exe file inside that I could click on, and it didn't matter where on the computer the files were located as long as the apps were still grouped together in their relative original positions. Do apk's work the same way, in the sense that once the apk is unpackaged, we could unpackage it to a random folder on the Gabb file explorer?
[General Topics] Howl1346:
I belive MSI files are different from EXE files, i`ve unzipped a few EXEs and there is not an executible in the executible lol (no offence), I`ve never actually tried to open an MSI before, but i know they`re Windows Installer Packages, which might just be an EXE wrapped in an MSI.

Here`s an opened APK file that i got off a random website:

There doesnt seem to be a way to run it just from unpacking it :( It would be very nice if there was tho lol

For comparison, here`s an opened EXE file:

Similarly, there isn`t a way just to run it unzipped.

it contains code recognized by windows as an executable file, so the OS runs it as such.

I`m sorry, idk how to explain it simply, but long story short; no, it needs to install via Package Installer. :(

Hope this was more or less clear!
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
Thanks, I understand pretty clearly now. But now I don't think I can contribute much more to this hack hunt. This is out of my area of expertise; I just really want to see the end of the tyranny of Gabb
[General Topics] Howl1346:
So guys, guys, i just had an idea,

what if we got our collective hands on a copy of the Z2 firmware that came out BEFORE the patch??

Would we be able to flash that onto the phone and have the dev settings work again??

I`m trying to find a copy quick, bc I wouldn`t be suprised if gabb keeps an eye on threads like this

EDIT: Had to do some google dorking but I found what looks like the V1.0.0 firmware for the Z2!

I don`t have a Z2 to try flashing this on, but if you want to try yourself, Ill link it here

don`t quite trust the website 100%, but the firmware looks legit. 883mb and I keep having to restart the download lol

{Mod edit: Link removed. The linked website is not accepted as filehost on XDA. - Oswald Boelcke}
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
I have a Z2 right here, how do I flash it?

It took a bit (Stupid reCaptcha) but I did get the firmware
[General Topics] Howl1346:
(Had to rewrite this twice now, bc wrong info lol, Also, be sure to write down phone numbers, and back stuff up bc this will wipe everything if you do it right!)

Oh, and I`m not responsible if your phone gets bricked, or anything like that, tho if you do this right, that shouldn`t happen! (EDIT: IF it does, let me know and ill try to help)

EDIT #2: You MAY want to take your SIM card out, just in case.

(instructions from here, just trying to make em simpler)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-

You`ll need sp flash tool (fairly pretty sure that`ll work). I have a copy and I`ll attach it since I cant remember were I got it, and dont feel like looking.

Also, the drivers, I`ll attach those as well, pretty sure they`ll work for the Z2 (I hope lol), if not, just uninstall em, and let me know.

Oh, yes, AND the MediaTek drivers as well lol, ill attach those.

(you`ll need to unzip and install them)

OKAY!

First unzip the firmware to somewere you`ll remember.

Then you`ll need to unzip the SP_Flash_Tool file, then open "flash_tool.exe"

you should see a gui like this:

Now click on the browse button on "Scatter-loading File"

Go to the place you unzipped the firmware, you`re looking for "MT6761_Android_scatter.txt"

When you find it, double click it. The gui should look like this:

Be sure to UNCHECK "preloader" (at the top) bc it will probably brick your phone

Then, click the Download button.

Now, turn off your phone, and take out the battery.

plug it into your computer with a usb cable, and hold the VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN keys

(this is different on some phones, if nothing happens, try POWER and VOLUME UP keys)

At this point, if all goes well, SP Flash should start flashing the firmware onto the phone.

It will probly take a while, so kick back and watch some youtube or something idk.

Once its done, you should see this:

Close the program, and eject your phone.

Put the battery back in, and restart it.

If all went well, your phone should be like normal, but without the update that patched USB Debugging!

BTW, if the process fails, or it gets stuck at downloading 100% or shows a yellow bar, or red bar at 100%, then don’t panic. Just close everything, switch off your phone, and try again.

If something else went wrong, or your phone is stuck on the black ZTE screen, tell me and ill uhhh.... Try to help!

Hopefully ive made this somewhat simple, im goin to bed now lol
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
My computer wouldn't let me install the ZTE_Android_Driver. When I tried flashing the phone, the red bar filled to 100% the four times I tried it. I assume I need the drivers. Is there a way you can send or upload some already installed ones? Also, It doesn't look like the Android_VCOM_Driver.zip has an installable file in it.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
oh, god, the VCOM drivers are raw drivers lmao. i didn`t see that. *facepalm*

EDIT: the files ive attached should replace the VCOM drivers, those are the wrong ones as it turns out!

I`m not sure why the ZTE drivers aren`t working... Do you have admin privlages on your PC? That would be my best guess as to why they`re not installing.

BTW, I cant rly be online all the time, so if you want to txt me, my number is: lªUJ’½·°ÊTÐÒ€ßlÀ and I should be able to get back to you sooner!
[General Topics] ryujin88:
Hello everyone I installed the drivers succesfully and I was FINALLY able to download the rom without having to restrt the download lol. but I am reciving a error when flashing it to my gabb z2. I recive the download bar as red and at 100 percent completed. any help would be appereciated
[General Topics] ryujin88:
BTW waht drivers do I need
[General Topics] ImFrost:
Could you make a youtube tutorial on this? I'm still a tad worried i'll **** something up
[General Topics] ImFrost:
The problem is when I select the file, the only checked thing is the preloader, and I cant check anything. I can unchech the preloader tho
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
Do you think there is a way to just sideload the gabb firmware?
[General Topics] ImFrost:
Now the bar gets stuck at 100 and the screen stays black
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
If you were able to install the drivers and it still didn't work then we have a problem. We may need to look into sideloading the firmware as iqlessmemes suggested
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
If you were able to install the drivers but it still didn't work then we have a problem. Hang tight, we'll figure this out.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Could be more stuff at gabbs end, or its possible you need usb debugging enabled to do this :(

only thing i can think of (other than sideloading) would be to format all of gabbs stuff off of there.

But I would want to try that myself before actully posting and saying it works! (dont try, I`d feel bad if your phone got bricked)

A few things you could try, just last resort pretty much;

- Try putting the battery back into the phone, then flash it WITH the battery in

- Try ticking the "preloader" option in SP Flash. (Not reccomended, will probably format your phone)

EDIT: You guys might have to explain how to sideload OSs onto the phone, I cant find anything on it, but ill keep looking!

EDIT #2: Legit, 2 seconds after edit #1 i foud a tutorial lol

It says you need TWRP tho

EDIT #3: Yeah, I cant find anything that doesnt use TWRP or USB Debugging, short of softbicking your phone intentionally, if there IS a way, im not the guy to ask about it :L
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
Can you give a link to the tutorial anyways?
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
We should try and legit hack the phone, like not just installing the software on the phone, like hacking it from a laptop to get this to work. We should also try to open the apps on a PC and then put them on a phone to see if they will work.
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
Sir, installing software on the phone is PRECISELY what hacking is...

And you use a labtop to do it...

And if it was as simple as opening the apps on a PC and downloading them on the phone we wouldn't still be here trying to figure this out.

There are some VERY SMART people working on this project. If you have a VERY SMART idea, feel free to share it. If you managed to find a magic labtop that can hack a phone without doing anything to it (like you suggested doing) then by all means, feel free to share it with us. Otherwise, please just be patient.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
I think he means using tools like Kali Linux to do some sterotype hacking, like in this picture:

An idea id be down with, i wish my PC looked this cool when im hacking lol
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
I mean, if you can do it, then that works. But one thing I thought of though is that whatever the method is, it has to be easy enough for everyone with a gabb to replicate. The vast majority of people won't be able to do this stereotypical hacking (probably myself included)
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
Bro. If I had the time to do this I would, and I would use Kali linux to hack it and lowkey just downloading software is not really hacking just saying. And you don't need a magical laptop all you need is some brain g.

And there is most defiantly a way to open apps on a PC we just haven't found it yet. Also don't tell me to be patient I have been waiting this whole time, so just don't.
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
I would like to formally apologize for my rude remark. I had a bad day and falsely took out my frustrations online.

I don't want to be that person that brings people down. I'm sorry I told you to be patient, and I'm sorry for not taking the time to understand what you were saying.

Albert Einstein said that two things are infinite- the universe, and human stupidity. And today that stupidity was mine.
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
Dang fam, you good? I mean like thanks but also you're not stupid like some one the stuff you said was wrong but not stupid.
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
I just felt bad. But now that that's over, let's get this thing done
[General Topics] Ivia_Loveschocolate!:
Will u guys stop fighting??! This is about a damn phone, not bull****
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
G we just did so stfu
[General Topics] jgrobinson:
I figured it out! (September 22nd, 2021)

I know this thread is a little outdated, but my theory is that is you download a new ROM made for the Gabb ZTE Z2 and download it, you will bypass all the restrictions.
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
Really? We need to try this like now
[General Topics] jgrobinson:
I can't do it right now because im in school and my chromebook doesn't let me, but try it!
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
If it works make a video about it.
[General Topics] jgrobinson:
Will do
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
The problem with that is that we tried it already and we couldn't flash the new ROM to the phone. Howl1346 said that we might even need USB debugging to flash the ROM, which is troublesome because we are trying to flash the ROM so we can enable USB debugging
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Sadly yes, we tried that. Formatting the phone entirely is probably the only way for that to properly work. Something I do NOT recommend until I can try it myself to be sure. Good idea tho m8!
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
You guys, something I just thought of is Gabb is almost certainly monitoring this thread so do you think we should migrate this project to somewhere else? It wouldn't help if they are one step ahead of us. This forum is on the top of the list when you search 'How to hack a gabb phone'
[General Topics] jgrobinson:
Your right we need to make a group chat
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
I've learned from experience not to give out my phone number online but maybe a Google Doc or something simple like that would work.
[General Topics] jgrobinson:
That sounds good
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
Anyone else in favor?

I had to come up with a little security process to make sure that Gabb doesn't just follow us into the chat. I think this method will work. I'm using Google Chat (Disclaimer: This is different from Google Hangouts) to create a chat for us to continue this discussion.

Shoot me an email if you want to be added. Make sure to tell me what your profile is on this thread so I can find if you've already sent a message in the thread. I will then start a conversation with you on XDA to confirm that you are the person you said you were in the email (all for protection purposes :)) Then after the confirmation I will add you to the Google Chat.

If you haven't made a message in this thread yet, sorry but this method will offer the best protection against Gabb moles. If you have a friend in this forum that is in the Google Chat, they can vouch for you and I can add you.

My email:

experimentaltcp@gmail.com

It's time we started playing Gabb's game.
[General Topics] ezseay:
is it too late to join the chat?
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
I'm afraid that in order to maintain security, it is too late since you did not comment on the forum before I made the chat. If you have a friend that has commented on the forum, he can join and vouch for you. Otherwise, my apologies, but this is what has to be done in order to keep Gabb from knowing what we are doing to the best of our ability.
[General Topics] dreadanaught:
So for those of us who have been watching the thread without commenting, will it be impossible to get any further information on installing things on the z2?
[General Topics] LostSky.fearless:
Can I get on the chat?
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
When we find the solution, we can post it for the world to see, but while we're still finding it there's no point in letting Gabb know what's going on. But we may not even use the chat. In any case, I promise everyone will have access to the answer
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
If you follow the instructions from post #260, I'll add you

Actually, a much simpler way would be if you just started a conversation on here with me and gave me your email so I could add you. I don't know why I didn't think of that before :LOL:
[General Topics] Howl1346:
This is a really good idea in my opinion, ive been pretty sure Gabb has monitored this thread, the fact that the USB Debugging glitch got patched almost as soon as it went public here only made me more sure.

Ill shoot an email your way, looking forward to some unpached progress lol
[General Topics] Mr. Macphisto:
I'd like to remind everyone that doesn't know-- If you did not reply to this thread before I had this idea, you cannot join the chat unless you have a friend that vouches for you. If you are eligible and want to join (please do) start a private conversation with me on this XDA website. Give me your email, and I will add you. If you do not follow those steps, I will not add you to the chat. This is all to keep the chat secure.

If you have any questions you can email me at experimentaltcp@gmail.com

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

MOD EDIT: Certain content removed.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Just wanted to make here a quick post to let the people who intalled the ZTE USB and QUALCOMM drivers,

to remember to uninstall them! odds are they wont be used again, and they have some somewhat decent preformence impacts on your PC. If they`re needed for anything related to a potential exploit, I`ll attach them in any tutorial that needs them.
[General Topics] angelwingz:
hey so everything is working find but I got a small issue :( i cant find the scatter file anywhere do yk where i can open it from??
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Yes! if you click on the folder next to "scatter file" then browse to the place you unzipped the firmware, it should be the first txt file there.

FYI, people have said that its not possible to flash the firmware this way, so idk if this will help long-term. but you can try! :)
[General Topics] Ruler_of_Tech:
So im new, and I know ill probably not get into the private chat, but when new methods arrive will they be posted to here? Or somewhere else? Im not a gabb mole I swear.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Lol, i love your profile pic! and yes, if we uncover any new methods of cracking the phone, ill post em up on XDA. We`re also looking into disabling the updater, that way nothing gets patched!
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Just wanted to make a quick post asking all of you guys; what goals should we focus on?

So far we have:

-Find a way to enable USB Debugging.

-Figure out how Gabb is tracing the phones OS. (They know if its been tampered with)

-Attempt to keep Gabb from finding out our methods, so they don't get patched as quickly

(We WILL keep the methods public, just harder to find maybe?? this one is still up in the air)

-Disable OTA Updates. This should stop Gabb from patching any bugs/glitches we find.

We actually solved this one, and I`ll make a post explaining how to do it once I have some more time.

In the meantime, DO NOT install ANY software updates that Gabb throws out, we dont want anything to get patched!
[General Topics] Ruler_of_Tech:
Those are some solid goals, though how do you keep gabb from updating? Im guessing you just take out your battery.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Open App Manager.

Find Software Updater.

Go to Permissions.

Switch ALL of the permissions to OFF

Get EZed software updater

EDIT: Also, taking out the battery will prevent you from using your phone! Solid guess tho, I suppose it would work too!
[General Topics] unbreakable heeckeer:
If you go to iqlessmemes videos, he has a discord server that I think is similar to the chat.
[General Topics] dreadanaught:
You guys might want to rethink this, as it seems to be impossible. When in the permissions menu for the Software Update app, it does not allow alteration of any permissions, saying "Device requires this permission to operate." It also does not appear to be possible to force stop the app. I can post screenshots if needed.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
That's strange, Mr. Macphisto said that he was able to do it.....

I'll talk to him about it, there really just cannot be any easy ways of doing anything on this phone!

(it's almost like it was locked down lol)
[General Topics] Ruler_of_Tech:
All you have too do is simply take out your battery and go into recover mode and then reboot from there, I think its possible
[General Topics] GamerGoat112:
What does that mean?
[General Topics] GamerGoat112:
how would I deny the permissions for the software updater?
[General Topics] Gabb user:
so I have an Idea, not sure if it will work but what if I factory reset the phone, but transferred all of my files and everything on the phone, to a computer, then factory reset, could I do anything from there to enable dev options? After I factory reset I would transfer the files from the computer back to my phone. Any feedback if this will work?
[General Topics] simplyxbrady:
How to get into developer mode tho?
[General Topics] Ruler_of_Tech:
Well that what we have been trying to do this entire time. That is stated in Howl´s manifesto stated on page 14. Seeing as this forum is actively being monitored by gabb (almost guaranteed), many of the original members have started a group chat that will be working on these issues.

If you know of a way shoot Howl or Macphisto an email.
[General Topics] unbreakable heeckeer:
no

it won't

doesnt actually go back software

just resets phone
[General Topics] Nature Grey:
I've got a solution but i will delete this post within a few hours. Someone who is good at coding should create a link since there is an html editor, and should ask someone with developer options that still work and see how the developer options is opened.
[General Topics] Iqlessmemes:
There is no real reason to delete it. I know some people still have USB debugging enabled that they could extract ROM from on the current update.
[General Topics] Howl1346:
Yes, actually I have the V1.0 version of the ROM, (from before the update) the thing is we can't flash it.

I'm fairly certain that COMPLETELY wiping ALL of Gabb's OS off of the device, (softbricking it) will solve the problem, but I would NOT recommend that, as I've not done it myself, and on the off chance it doesn't work, Idk how to repair it.

P.S. Yes, email me or Macphisto if you have something to say, or an idea that you may not want Gabb to see. I'll be checking my email more often too lol