Modifying and flashing stock firmware without root - Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions and Answers

I'm aware that rooting the s7(snapdragon variety) makes the device lag, I'm currently rooted. Currently the only reason I want root is to remove ads system wide.
So my question is, is it possible, with my current root, or possibly using a PC program, is there a way to replace the host file on stock firmware with an ad away host file and then flash the stock firmware with modified host file?
I'm basically Looking to block ads on stock using the trusty adaway app and somehow transfer that host file into an Odin AP or zip I can flash, thus gaining an adfree experience without root so I can avoid the lag associated with root on snapdragon varients.

No, but you can use a VPN adblocker which doesn't require root

*Detection* said:
No, but you can use a VPN adblocker which doesn't require root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright thanks for the input. Is there a particular VPN client you'd recommend? Also can I expect battery drain whole using avpn ad blocker?

XxbloodxrushxX said:
Alright thanks for the input. Is there a particular VPN client you'd recommend? Also can I expect battery drain whole using avpn ad blocker?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use adguard VPN blocker, 7 day trial, if you like it you can buy it
https://adguard.com/en/adguard-android/overview.html
No, battery drain isn't an issue that I've noticed, it explains that it will show up high on the battery usage list but not because it's using a lot of power, but because it routes other apps data through it, something along those lines
Best to try and see yourself

If you want ads free, you also can make some changes with your router. Just like extensions in web browser :adblock plus , the same function software named "adblock" can also do the same trick. But this require your router have a Openwrt-based ROM to install that software. It completely battery drain free and all the work is done by router. But limit is only at home.

007zzz said:
If you want ads free, you also can make some changes with your router. Just like extensions in web browser :adblock plus , the same function software named "adblock" can also do the same trick. But this require your router have a Openwrt-based ROM to install that software. It completely battery drain free and all the work is done by router. But limit is only at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pi.hole & Raspberry Pi works best, but again only for home network, not data

Related

Android Market Question

Unfortunately at present i only get 50MB allowance on my mobile data a day which costs 69 cents, generally if your just browsing the web that is enough but quite often apps need updating and i might not be anywhere near any free WiFi so it eats up my allowance, my question is - is there a different method to download apps like apk. files or something?
Obviously updating apps is one thing but sometimes you come across a few apps and just wanna download them but some of them can be up to and over 20MB and that will eat up my data allowance,is there any other way in the market of downloading like apk.?
Can you not use WIFI?
Do you mean like download the apk on a pc first or something? In any case I don't think that is possible.
Do you not have a wireless internet connection as home you can use?
crazyfool_1 said:
Do you mean like download the apk on a pc first or something? In any case I don't think that is possible.
Do you not have a wireless internet connection as home you can use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i do yeah i only get 7.5GB a month with that too (pay as you go Broadband, no contract) i can sometimes log onto the home connection on my phone but i was thinking that perhaps there might be a way to download apk. files but it appears there isn't unless it's someone on XDA who has developed an app and it's not in the market yet.
yguns76 said:
Can you not use WIFI?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i do sometimes, actually my local pub has WiFi but you have to ask the owner for the password but i have it and when im there i can download/update apps,etc but i was just talking about in general.

Adblocking

It seems that ads are now everywhere. Any solutions out there that actually work? I've tried a few apps but with mediocre success
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
pmdied said:
It seems that ads are now everywhere. Any solutions out there that actually work? I've tried a few apps but with mediocre success
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wait for root process to be released, then get adfree android.
If you want the best (and for sure to work) solution, get root privileges for the phone and add the list from here (pgl.yoyo.org/adservers) to your hosts file located in /etc/hosts.
That also works for your desktop pc as well, though on windows, it's in /windows/system32/drivers/etc.
I recommend changing the 127.0.0.1s in the file to 0.0.0.0 as it kills the ads faster tahn waiting for them to timeout on the loopback address (127.0.0.1)
I've had adblock on my Inc since I got it, and didn't realize just how bad the ads really were... Hopefully they'll have a fairly easy root process soon.
AdFree Android once you root (it modifies the host file)
Always remembers to support your developers (by purchasing ad-free to support their cause) if you like an app!

Adfoc. Us spam

Hi guys, i recently got this adfoc.us popup or somethig and it shows on 99% of the webpages when i browse the web via chrome. Its probably a malware or something but I cant get rid of it. It also prompted me if i want to inspall sexy cafe. Apk or something.
Anyone has same problem and how can i get rid of it? Should i do factory reset?
Thanks
raperot said:
Hi guys, i recently got this adfoc.us popup or somethig and it shows on 99% of the webpages when i browse the web via chrome. Its probably a malware or something but I cant get rid of it. It also prompted me if i want to inspall sexy cafe. Apk or something.
Anyone has same problem and how can i get rid of it? Should i do factory reset?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try downloading an AV program off of Google Play Store, but you may have to factory reset.
You are not infected, but your router is. DNS is changed, go into router settings and put manual DNS from Google
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Highly doubt its the router (unless remote admin is turned on, then you deserve it) sounds like hosts to me
I don't use windows, but this should help
http://blog.mitechmate.com/remove-adfocus-us/
then use this for your windows machine and phone
https://www.malwarebytes.org/ and http://www.labtechsoftware.com/hitman.php
make sure you use them in safe-mode, or use a live linux cd and clean the mess up
Sent from my rooted RCT6203W46 using xda-dev app
I work in a isp company and yes it's a router. zte and tplink routers have more or less widely open wan access, either from web, cwmp or SNMP, so merely changing web access pass does not help some script kiddie plays with range of IP addresses and you have adfoc site on every computer, phone, etc
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
absbrain said:
I work in a isp company and yes it's a router. zte and tplink routers have more or less widely open wan access, either from web, cwmp or SNMP, so merely changing web access pass does not help some script kiddie plays with range of IP addresses and you have adfoc site on every computer, phone, etc
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does working for a isp company have to do with anything ?
adfoc.us is nothing more than 'bundling' malware not a virus (to be technical a redirect virus) that highjacks DNS and hosts files on windows machines also adds other malware hence it's called 'bundling'.
Its real name is adfocus.us browser hijacker, it's distributed by hook
A Hook is programmed as DLL file that it is capable to block the message of solicitation to a desirable site and achieve redirection, then a cyber criminals may use Windows Socket Layer Service Provider associated with SPI to get user’s transmitting data no matter you are using Firefox, IE or Chrome
If you have a "wide open" type of router, you shouldn't be using a computer or phone period
Been removing rootkits, virus, malware off of windows machines for many years, don't need a isp worker to tell me it's a router
Well, ISP worker tells you, from first hand experience that some Chinese routers can be manipulated regardless of web password and DNS can be changed.
That means ISP worker has seen DNS changed from our DNS to some address in Germany. And wide open router is something most users know nothing about especially regarding cwmp protocol.
And we have reports from our customers that every network device opens adfoc.us it's not really rocket science is it ? And windows is crap we get that but I'm somewhat sure my version is the correct one, especially because adfoc.us tried to install some apk file (see original post) Not sure if apk files work with windows
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Thx for your replies gents. I dont think this adfoc. Us crap pops up when i use my pc, only on my mobile and also when i use mobile data.
absbrain said:
Well, ISP worker tells you, from first hand experience that some Chinese routers can be manipulated regardless of web password and DNS can be changed.
That means ISP worker has seen DNS changed from our DNS to some address in Germany. And wide open router is something most users know nothing about especially regarding cwmp protocol.
And we have reports from our customers that every network device opens adfoc.us it's not really rocket science is it ? And windows is crap we get that but I'm somewhat sure my version is the correct one, especially because adfoc.us tried to install some apk file (see original post) Not sure if apk files work with windows
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you give me some links that actually prove that this malware takes over/changes router settings ?
Were not talking windows tcp protocols and hosts, but, actual router settings
Sent from my rooted RCT6203W46 using xda-dev app
piperx said:
Can you give me some links that actually prove that this malware takes over/changes router settings ?
Were not talking windows tcp protocols and hosts, but, actual router settings
Sent from my rooted RCT6203W46 using xda-dev app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really sure why are you so opposed to idea that ultra-cheap (10-15 euro) router can be hacked ?
http://www.csoonline.com/article/21...e-routers-to-attack-online-banking-users.html
http://rootatnasro.wordpress.com/20...-from-the-zynos-rom-0-attack-full-disclosure/
And I'm talking exactly about this (ZTE, and TPLINK). And you must know that almost all xDSL routers given to customers by large(r) ISPs have custom firmwares (because of ACS configurations, port mapping, etc) so the potential for unintended WAN access is huge. And the ISPs always will buy the cheapest and fastest available router, so it's not surprising at all.
raperot said:
Thx for your replies gents. I dont think this adfoc. Us crap pops up when i use my pc, only on my mobile and also when i use mobile data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeesh. Try safe mode?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
MrObvious said:
Yeesh. Try safe mode?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried surfing in safe mode on another wifi network at my office. I dont have any problem at all.
Not once this adfoc popped up.
It must be some third party app or the rooter as absbrain mentioned. If its the rooter I should have the same issue on my pc as well correct?
absbrain said:
Not really sure why are you so opposed to idea that ultra-cheap (10-15 euro) router can be hacked ?
http://www.csoonline.com/article/21...e-routers-to-attack-online-banking-users.html
http://rootatnasro.wordpress.com/20...-from-the-zynos-rom-0-attack-full-disclosure/
And I'm talking exactly about this (ZTE, and TPLINK). And you must know that almost all xDSL routers given to customers by large(r) ISPs have custom firmwares (because of ACS configurations, port mapping, etc) so the potential for unintended WAN access is huge. And the ISPs always will buy the cheapest and fastest available router, so it's not surprising at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not opposed to the idea, its not new, but, first of all, this article is just about a year old, and new firmware has been out since then, have the users switched to the new firmware, who knows, 98% of windows people are point & click, that is the biggest problem, especially using android.
Second, like I said earlier, and what the article says also, remote admin should be disabled and change the default username and password, here in the states, dsl kinda faded out 10 years ago and those routers you list aren't common here, not saying this can't happen, but, OTOH a little common sense goes a long way.
Javascript is a popular way to get infected from websites, running things as noscript, ghost, etc, should help out a lot, there is a lot you can do to prevent this stuff from happening, most people are clueless or lazy or click happy.
Another way to help is to get rid of windows (every operating system can be hacked) (flame) but others are more secure by design, or for banking needs use a live linux cd/usb stick, 99% of people won't bother or even research the idea.
I look at this as pebak, and not knowing enough of the internet or their equipment and just clicking on anything, hence the point & click.
I run a few servers, none are windows, we do have windows clients. I try my best
Sent from my rooted RCT6203W46 using xda-dev app
raperot said:
I tried surfing in safe mode on another wifi network at my office. I dont have any problem at all.
Not once this adfoc popped up.
It must be some third party app or the rooter as absbrain mentioned. If its the rooter I should have the same issue on my pc as well correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly. Unless it is Android only malware or affects your computer differently. If you have any lesser known apps installed try removing them. I would honestly suggest a factory reset.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
absbrain said:
You are not infected, but your router is. DNS is changed, go into router settings and put manual DNS from Google
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Its definetely the wi-fi rooter that i have w hich is TP Link.
I called my proveder they said there is a problem with the DNS. They reset my rooter online and it was fine for couple of days.
But now same thing happens. On both my wife and mine mobile phones surfing is impossible.
It automatically swithches the link to a porn site. Same thing happens as a pop up on my PC as well.
Any solution to fix this or I should get a more expensive rooter?
Thanks a lot.
raperot said:
Hi,
Its definetely the wi-fi rooter that i have w hich is TP Link.
I called my proveder they said there is a problem with the DNS. They reset my rooter online and it was fine for couple of days.
But now same thing happens. On both my wife and mine mobile phones surfing is impossible.
It automatically swithches the link to a porn site. Same thing happens as a pop up on my PC as well.
Any solution to fix this or I should get a more expensive rooter?
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like your router may have been compromised. Try a complete reset of it including updating it's firmware.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
Sounds like your router may have been compromised. Try a complete reset of it including updating it's firmware.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried that, same thing happens.
I'm being directed to spaces.slimspots.com and then to various porn sites.
Its really annoying and I cant seem to find a solution.
raperot said:
Tried that, same thing happens.
I'm being directed to spaces.slimspots.com and then to various porn sites.
Its really annoying and I cant seem to find a solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried malwarebytes on your pc's?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
I would recommend the following:
1) Hard reset all your devices. Back up your data but then completely wipe the phone (/sdcard as well).
2) Disconnect your PCs. If you are savvy enough I would recommend running a Linux distro for a few days (so you can at least still use the computer).
3) Get a CD (not usb stick due to writableness) and download several AV tools (quick Google will yield some results). Take the PC offline (unplug ethernet/disable wifi), put the CD in, run a few scans and get it cleaned out.
4) Manually take your router and disable DHCP/DNS interally, forward your DHCP requests if you decide to keep DHCP on to a known good DNS server like 8.8.8.8.
5) Ideally, swap the router out for a new one or use your own instead of #4.
Something is causing it.
MrObvious said:
I would recommend the following:
1) Hard reset all your devices. Back up your data but then completely wipe the phone (/sdcard as well).
2) Disconnect your PCs. If you are savvy enough I would recommend running a Linux distro for a few days (so you can at least still use the computer).
3) Get a CD (not usb stick due to writableness) and download several AV tools (quick Google will yield some results). Take the PC offline (unplug ethernet/disable wifi), put the CD in, run a few scans and get it cleaned out.
4) Manually take your router and disable DHCP/DNS interally, forward your DHCP requests if you decide to keep DHCP on to a known good DNS server like 8.8.8.8.
5) Ideally, swap the router out for a new one or use your own instead of #4.
Something is causing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great advise, especially #5 (you can also use linux box as a router)
Sent from my rooted RCT6203W46 using xda-dev app

Huge data Uploads!

On connecting my stock N5 to my make-shift WiFi hotspot on my laptop running ubuntu, I could find huge data uploads at full speed each time. Around 600MB of data at 60KBPS(Well that is my speed cap) I don't know why, all my backup/auto upload settings are turned off, and I don't have any other app which does uploads/data transfers, any other reason you guys can think of?
gamer.11 said:
On connecting my stock N5 to my make-shift WiFi hotspot on my laptop running ubuntu, I could find huge data uploads at full speed each time. Around 600MB of data at 60KBPS(Well that is my speed cap) I don't know why, all my backup/auto upload settings are turned off, and I don't have any other app which does uploads/data transfers, any other reason you guys can think of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try installing the app OS Monitor.
Its on
Google Play
or
F-Droid
It will display every tcp or udp network connection, and query it via WHOIS.
You should be able to see the offending app or site gathering or sending data.
Best of luck
joegestes said:
Try installing the app OS Monitor.
Its on
Google Play
or
F-Droid
It will display every tcp or udp network connection, and query it via WHOIS.
You should be able to see the offending app or site gathering or sending data.
Best of luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried using various network monitor, nothing showed up suspicious, even went to the extent of using Wireshark. I will try this out and let you guys know.
Also check for the baidu folder.
Details HERE and HERE
joegestes said:
Also check for the baidu folder.
Details HERE and HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope no baidu folder, no apps which connect to the Chinese though i have a TWRP file which seems to come back no matter how many times i delete it(can't open it even)
Google photos app
maybe it is the auto photo/video backup

Setup an Android ad block vpn on my home server? (As an alternative to blokada/adblock plus)

Is it possible to setup an ad blocker as part of my personal vpn server? I'm unsure of exactly how ad blocker vpns work (such as ad block plus/blokada), but I'm a little hesitant/untrusting of having this vpn connection always on and running all of my traffic through it.
What would I need to do set this up myself? Alternatively, maybe someone could explain what exactly I'm exposing by having [blokada] enabled all of the time?
Thank you
EvanVanVan said:
Is it possible to setup an ad blocker as part of my personal vpn server? I'm unsure of exactly how ad blocker vpns work (such as ad block plus/blokada), but I'm a little hesitant/untrusting of having this vpn connection always on and running all of my traffic through it.
What would I need to do set this up myself? Alternatively, maybe someone could explain what exactly I'm exposing by having [blokada] enabled all of the time?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm kinda confused by your question in the first part. On what hardware do you intend to do the blocking? on your android device or on a remote/local server? if you intend to do that on android, then here are some things to consider:
There is the Root method, which I assume based on your question you don't want.
Then there is the rootless method, which is basically an exploit of a loophole in how android handles VPNs. Apps like Blokada and such supposedly establish a VPS locally and block DNS blacklisted requests by leveraging the VPN permission. you can use different apps to monitor them and see what goes out, but you most likely won't find anything suspect.
If you're that paranoid, I suggest using the web server feature in the Adaway app, which lets you use your own host list/DNS block list, sign it yourself for your phone to Trust (as trusted agent or CA certificate) and apply. Ofc doing it with adaway takes away (literally) the convenience of a self updated list, so you have to find your own lists and update it regularly for maximum block-ness.
Slim K said:
I'm kinda confused by your question in the first part. On what hardware do you intend to do the blocking? on your android device or on a remote/local server? if you intend to do that on android, then here are some things to consider:
There is the Root method, which I assume based on your question you don't want.
Then there is the rootless method, which is basically an exploit of a loophole in how android handles VPNs. Apps like Blokada and such supposedly establish a VPS locally and block DNS blacklisted requests by leveraging the VPN permission. you can use different apps to monitor them and see what goes out, but you most likely won't find anything suspect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that is super helpful information on how ad blockers work on non-rooted devices. I am not rooted (after Google started automatically updating Pixels I decided the hassle of manually flashing updates and the loss of Android Pay (at the time) wasn't worth it).
I have a Wireguard VPN server on a FreeNAS server at my house. I'm not sure what blokada can track and/or conceivably redirect my traffic using their own DNS server (?). If I can set up a "VPS" and DNS blocking using publicly available lists through my own VPN or a FreeNAS jail/port or my router, I'd prefer to do that.
Maybe I'm overthinking this though haha...
Thanks
EvanVanVan said:
Thank you, that is super helpful information on how ad blockers work on non-rooted devices. I am not rooted (after Google started automatically updating Pixels I decided the hassle of manually flashing updates and the loss of Android Pay (at the time) wasn't worth it).
I have a Wireguard VPN server on a FreeNAS server at my house. I'm not sure what blokada can track and/or conceivably redirect my traffic using their own DNS server (?). If I can set up a "VPS" and DNS blocking using publicly available lists through my own VPN or a FreeNAS jail/port or my router, I'd prefer to do that.
Maybe I'm overthinking this though haha...
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can relate heavily on the google pay front, but I'm a power user through and through. not having total control freaks me out so root is a must for me, so i gave up using it.
Regarding the host/adblock setup, i do think you're overthinking it. A router with openwrt is basically 80% already pre-configured with dnscrypt and the tools necessary. Using FreeNAS jail, there are sooooo many tuts online for that, i won't even need to tell you how myself. Personally, I use a PI-hole in my home and wireguard/cha cha20 protocol on my router, the webserver feature from adaway on my phone and haven't seen an ad in almost 2 years now.
Slim K said:
I can relate heavily on the google pay front, but I'm a power user through and through. not having total control freaks me out so root is a must for me, so i gave up using it.
Regarding the host/adblock setup, i do think you're overthinking it. A router with openwrt is basically 80% already pre-configured with dnscrypt and the tools necessary. Using FreeNAS jail, there are sooooo many tuts online for that, i won't even need to tell you how myself. Personally, I use a PI-hole in my home and wireguard/cha cha20 protocol on my router, the webserver feature from adaway on my phone and haven't seen an ad in almost 2 years now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pi-Hole in a jail seems like it's exactly what I'm looking for. I'll look into getting that set up. Thank you!
EvanVanVan said:
Is it possible to setup an ad blocker as part of my personal vpn server? I'm unsure of exactly how ad blocker vpns work (such as ad block plus/blokada), but I'm a little hesitant/untrusting of having this vpn connection always on and running all of my traffic through it.
What would I need to do set this up myself? Alternatively, maybe someone could explain what exactly I'm exposing by having [blokada] enabled all of the time?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need is to maintain the hosts file in Android's /system/etc.

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