build.prop editing advice for spoofing - General Questions and Answers

Howdy partners,
If I'm trying to edit my build.prop to spoof my tablet as a phone, will it help to choose a phone with the same chip?
In my attempt to spoof my note 12.2 as a note 4, I changed a lot of the build.prop including the fingerprint to no effect. Then, after further editing I eventually boot looped it and had to reflash. Should I pick another phone to spoof? Any suggestions?
I really want to use this device as my phone, since my last phone was stolen and I prefer the bigger screen. So I'm hoping to fool both the Google play store so I can install things such as whatsapp, as well as fool my networks check on my user agent string so I could potentially use a plan designed for phones, not that I would necessarily do such a thing if it breaks the terms of service.
Anyway... I checked my user agent and it all seemed to be spoofed for a note 4 before i boot looped my device, but the sim card was still not accepted. Any suggestions what I could be missing? I changed the model, the fingerprint, the build... I don't know what's tripping me up.
TL : DR
1 when spoofing, should i spoof a phone with the same chip?
2 any suggestions of a phone good to spoof on a note 12.2 p905?
3 what could be tripping me up if my user agent string all seems to have been changed?
Thank you so much for reading. I would provide more info of what I changed, but i lost my modified build.prop when I reflashed my device.
Thanks in advance hombres
Zabben W

Related

edit build.prop to enable multi-user in Android

Hello all... first post! Suffice to say, not usually the phone hacking type...
I have purchased the Samsung Galaxy S8+ from TELUS Mobility here in Canada. I require access to the multi-user function in Android, which Samsung seems to have disabled by default on this phone.
I've looked around and found reference to a bit of text I can enter into a file named build.prop that, apparently, works on the S7 versions of this device. I have found the build.prop file on the S8+ and have tried to access it with a couple of different apps, including the BuildProp editor on the Play Store.
Regardless of what app I use to make the edits, I cannot save the file. I realize that this is a permissions thing and I may need root to make this change, but I am lost when it comes to actually getting root - I don't *think* I want to flash a new ROM or anything like that. I just want to be able to edit and save this single file. Seems simple! Maybe it isn't!
Do you have experience doing what I'm trying to do here? How can I get root without necessarily changing anything else? Is there another option to allow me to edit build.prop without necessarily affecting anything else?
I appreciate any advice or guidance anyone on this forum can offer. Thank you!
You cannot root Snapdragon versions of the phone. You are out of luck as build.prop requires root. If an exploit is found root may be possible, but it is unlikely. Your best bet is to sell the Telus phone and buy an international version with Exynos chip as that has already been rooted. Note that rooting a Samsung device burns the KNOX bit and therefore your device is without warranty of any kind (Samsung checks KNOX bit before honoring warranty).

What do I lose by rooting and/or custom ROM

Hi, newbie here.
I'd love to root my Galaxy S7 (SM-G930FD) and maybe even install a new ROM. However, I'm concerned about losing some nice features of the phone.
At first thought, three key features that I like are: Samsung Pay, device encryption, and Samsung's encrypted folder. (For my line of work, I have to be very very security conscious, so device encryption is important.)
Also, along the lines of security, any recommendations for the most secure OS for the S7 phone, and possibly a firewall to manage net traffic?
Thanks!
Adding small reply to my own post.
Looks like rooting will permanently disable Samsung pay. But, looks like Google Pay should still work. (If your bank supports it.)
Looks like TW bootloader can't handle whole-phone encryption, so that's a loss of a major security tool.
But still nothing like loosing some camera features as with some Sonys?
I've rooted my s7 from the start and since I am enjoying full camera support, can even use snapchat (though under Parrallel space, so it's not obvious)
Don't use and will never use Samsung Pay (It's not working here in The Netherlands anyhow) and all other banking apps I use do work.

User Installed CA sprfw01 - what is it?

Hello,
I have a lg ls775 and under the user security certificates there is one called sprfw01. I have no idea why or what its for. Im on the sprint network. Is there a way i can inspect the cert or atleast figure out whats using it? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thnx guys!
Could this be from pairing my phone with some device ie. Smart watch or another phone?
Its actually under User credentials. Hope that can jog anyones memory as to what this may be.
I'm currently using the same phone as you and on the same carrier, and just noticed this user credential the other day as well. I didnt recognize it so I deleted it. I'm afraid I cant tell you if it really affected my device as it was already giving me some issues before I deleted the credential. At the time, and again today, I looked for the same answer as you and haven't found any additional information on it, so I can't be much help with exactly why it's there or what put it there.
However, I may be able to help put your mind at ease since I did happen to do a factory reset today and even though I deleted it before, it was back afterward. So my guess is that its not dangerous. (again, thats my opinion, hopefully someone can confirm if I am correct)
Some details to that lead me to think it's safe:
My LG G6 isn't rooted, and was not before the redo. (so technically nothing should have been able to reinstall it that was nefarious)
I didn't install any potentially shady apps when I did the factory reset ( at time of writing this, just a few big name apps from the play store, no random restored apks or anything like that).
I pulled my SD card out before the wipe and haven't put one back in yet, so that rules out something left over on there working itself back in somehow.
I allowed google to "restore" my most recent backup it made, but the most recent backup was AFTER I removed the credential so it shouldn't have been on there (google backups seems to restore very little anyway, and requests all backed up app downloads from the Play store) .
I have connected it to my home secured wifi.
No bluetooth connections yet.
No sharing to any devices or NFC usage, etc.
So from all of that, I believe it is either a Sprint thing, an LG UI thing, or something specific to the LG g6 model, and built into the factory settings. That's just my thoughts, but I thought maybe my experience might make you feel a little more at ease. Hopefully someone can reply with what the heck it actually is though, because little things like not being able to figure out the source of this drive me crazy even after all of that.
Just an update, I was looking through my LG V30+ and found the same credentials stored on this device too. No additional details on it's purpose were really gained from it though. Picture attached.
"User Credential" "sprfw01" also on LG ls 775
I saw the same thing and I searched "sprfw01" . I was wondering what it was. I also have this "User Credential" on an LG ls 775 on Sprint.
Passwords Saved Credential
I did some research into this and what I see is it's a credential from when you saved your passwords for an example unlock screen & any passwords like I have to specific websites.
Jusy my thoughts...
*Any good unlock or root for the ls993?

Kid's first phone to turn off internet connectivity (mobile & Wi-Fi) : Mod old Verizon Galaxy S5 or Gabb Wireless?

Experienced heartbreak in purchasing slider & flip phones off of eBay, which worked for seller only days before, but then learning that Verizon will not activate any new lines for 3G, slider, flip, CDMA devices. This has always been a great way to give kids a first phone, a phone that will only do call & text. So, turned to old family inventory or new companies that specialize in a modern phone with internet or social media interaction. Enter Gabb Wireless or Pinwheel. Landed on Gabb Wireless, but my bride wants me to try to mod an old Verizon bone stock Galaxy S5. Of course...& I'm sure many of you have been there...some guy we know was able to do it with his kid's phone...so now I should be able to do it. Never mind this guy is a software dev and most likely using an iOS phone. So, gauntlet thrown down, challenge issued. I've been doing a lot of digging & don't know if this can be done with this build. Here's what we have:
G900V, bone stock Verizon
Build number = MMB29M.G900VVRU2DQL1
Security patch level = 8/1/17
Let me know if any other specs would be helpful.
Thank you kindly.
EternalWorth said:
Experienced heartbreak in purchasing slider & flip phones off of eBay, which worked for seller only days before, but then learning that Verizon will not activate any new lines for 3G, slider, flip, CDMA devices. This has always been a great way to give kids a first phone, a phone that will only do call & text. So, turned to old family inventory or new companies that specialize in a modern phone with internet or social media interaction. Enter Gabb Wireless or Pinwheel. Landed on Gabb Wireless, but my bride wants me to try to mod an old Verizon bone stock Galaxy S5. Of course...& I'm sure many of you have been there...some guy we know was able to do it with his kid's phone...so now I should be able to do it. Never mind this guy is a software dev and most likely using an iOS phone. So, gauntlet thrown down, challenge issued. I've been doing a lot of digging & don't know if this can be done with this build. Here's what we have:
G900V, bone stock Verizon
Build number = MMB29M.G900VVRU2DQL1
Security patch level = 8/1/17
Let me know if any other specs would be helpful.
Thank you kindly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you don't just go buy a burner flip phone from Walmart? I thought those could still be activated.
If not, you'd have to disable the portion of the kernel that handles data. Let's be honest, this is a ~10 year old device so you won't find much assistance unfortunately.
Oh yeah, forgot, this is Android 6.0.1.
As for the query, you're right...I could do the burner/fip/slider thing, perhaps...but, truly, it appears all carriers across the board are throwing off 3G devices as fast as they can. I did see some of the rough service basic phones have 4G capability, but can't justify price on those things. Tough balance to strike as we're doing some traveling where VZW is the only network that's really reliable...& trying to get a child the best camera possible on the devices we have, so they can take pics of stuff they may never see again. Old basic phones are pretty challenging to text on, too. Anyway, we have an old iPod Touch someone threw away, plus the S5. S5 has the better cameras. But it's one of the last builds they sold for Verizon...and I don't ever remember there being a way to unlock the bootloader on that build...the G900V. But, regardless, I still can't find a way to shut down mobile & Wi-Fi on it. I think they have a Verizon family app that will let you shut down the web, but it is extra per month, of course. Appreciate the feedback, for sure. This is just the DIY kinda life, I reckon: constantly trying to refurb, reuse the old stuff, fix stuff yourself, do without...all to live w/in your means & save dinero.
EternalWorth said:
Oh yeah, forgot, this is Android 6.0.1.
As for the query, you're right...I could do the burner/fip/slider thing, perhaps...but, truly, it appears all carriers across the board are throwing off 3G devices as fast as they can. I did see some of the rough service basic phones have 4G capability, but can't justify price on those things. Tough balance to strike as we're doing some traveling where VZW is the only network that's really reliable...& trying to get a child the best camera possible on the devices we have, so they can take pics of stuff they may never see again. Old basic phones are pretty challenging to text on, too. Anyway, we have an old iPod Touch someone threw away, plus the S5. S5 has the better cameras. But it's one of the last builds they sold for Verizon...and I don't ever remember there being a way to unlock the bootloader on that build...the G900V. But, regardless, I still can't find a way to shut down mobile & Wi-Fi on it. I think they have a Verizon family app that will let you shut down the web, but it is extra per month, of course. Appreciate the feedback, for sure. This is just the DIY kinda life, I reckon: constantly trying to refurb, reuse the old stuff, fix stuff yourself, do without...all to live w/in your means & save dinero.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean there is a way to unlock the bootloader if you look on XDA. https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...ootloader-using-dev-bootloader-kk-mm.3337909/ The Verizon S5 was the worst model out of all of the US carrier variants.
EternalWorth said:
This has always been a great way to give kids a first phone, a phone that will only do call & text. So, turned to old family inventory or new companies that specialize in a modern phone with internet or social media interaction. Enter Gabb Wireless or Pinwheel. Landed on Gabb Wireless, but my bride wants me to try to mod an old Verizon bone stock Galaxy S5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this thread is almost a year old, and I'm sorry I'm late to the party, but I had the same idea!
My kids had been using Gabb Wireless for a while, and we were mostly happy with the service, but I wanted the option to install other useful apps on their phones without giving them access to the web. So, I bought a couple of old Galaxy S5 SM-G900V (Verizon version) phones, and I think I've succeeded in modifying them in a way that will prevent the kids from surfing the internet or installing their own apps. I thought I'd post my method here, in case anyone is still interested. Here's what I did:
Install Safestrap Recovery. (Follow this guide, up to and including the step where you install Safestrap. Skip the remaining steps in the guide.)
Boot into Safestrap Recovery and flash jrkruse's “slightly de-bloated” stock Marshmallow rom from here.
Use either ADB or Safestrap to remove any system apps that would allow kids to browse the web or download their own apps. (To delete unwanted system apps using Safestrap recovery, click Mount and make sure the system partition is mounted. Also make sure the “Mount system partition read-only” box is unchecked. Then go back and click Advanced > File Manager, and edit or remove system files as desired.) The web browser is already removed from jrkruse's rom, but I also removed the following apps:
from /system/app:
Gmail2
SamsungSetupWizard
SecEmail_K
InteractiveTutorial [This is the Samsung Help app.]
SamsungAppsWidget_Phone_Carrier_VZW
from /system/priv-app:
Velvet [this is the Google search app]
SamsungUpdates [this includes the Samsung Apps store and “Galaxy essentials,” which would allow kids to download and install their own apps]
GoogleOneTimeInitializer
SetupWizard
from /data/app:
com.android.vending-1 [this is the Google Play Store]
Edit the settings APK file to disable the option to remove the option to install apps from “uknown sources” (Settings > Security > Uknown Sources) so that users can’t enable that option. This will prevent kids from installing apps by sideloading (e.g. copying apps from a friend's phone via SD card.) Apps can still be installed via recovery or ADB, but most kids won't know how to do that.
To edit the settings APK properly, you could follow this guide, but I used a much hackier method and basically just sabotaged the security_settings_misc.xml file inside SecSettings.apk, so that the settings app crashes if the user tries to open and modify those settings.
I've attached my modified settings file. You can put it on the phone's SD card, then use Safestrap to copy it to system/priv-app/SecSettings. Save the original settings file first (or just rename it and change the filename extension) so that you can restore it later if needed.

Is my Girlfriend is a computer hacker?

Hi, I am not new to computers phones and development but it's been years and a lot has changed. I went to school for software design and I learned on Visual Studio 6.0. So for anyone in there 30's and older you all remember how 6.0 was. Well alot has changed since 6.0 but regardless I know when someone has been messing with my phone a s or computer. I am going to try and post all of my syslog that I have saved and any new that I see. Also ibam going to try and post what open source software that I notice my phone now has licenses for. I am on a Samsung Note 10 plus 5G. And I am almost positive that my girl is responsible for the modifications done to my phone but she screams that she only knows how to play games call and text. I need someone to review my information and any information that anyone needs and tell me if my phone has been modified and if everything could have been done remotely. My ultimate question is could this all have been done remotely or would any of it and I mean even the smallest thing have to be done locally on the phone. If every single modification could all have been done remotely then maybe she's telling the truth but if just one thing had to of been done locally then she's responsible somehow. And then I need to know how to fix all of this and set up secure to prevent it from happening again.
you claim you're developer but provide logs as screenshots... seriously, if you can't trust your girlfriend what you need help is a couble care course or psychotherapist.
I doubt your Samsung Galaxy Note10+ bootloader locked device secured by Knox is tampered in any kind at all
What i'm seeing here is you using your phone with samsung packages working. It's mostly sounds running, you unlocking the device, setting an alarm ect.
Bare in mind google and apps use location alot so the location is i would say the norm. The more apps the more times location is called.
if you are concerned get dmr checker and check security levels, has the device been rooted and displays the true code? Really worried check all your apps then disable location or use odin to fully wipe the device but from what i can tell this is possibly paranoia
Whether your girlfriend can be trusted or not is not the problem. Maybe she is really hacking your phone or maybe you are just paranoid, I can't tell. Either way you two should break up before you break each other.
.. or just a week digital detox

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