Root Samsung Update BLOCKS User Installs!

The_Chief · Feb 2, 2018

Four years ago, I predicted (right here on Android Forums) that the day was coming when it would not only be detrimental to root and install custom ROMs, but it would be flat-out impossible to do so.

That day has come.

https://www.androidpit.com/samsung-galaxy-note-8-s8-plus-update-bootloader-modding

Unlocking the bootloader and rooting a phone will now prevent a number of financial apps from running. Determined modders used root cloak apps to work around that... but that's not even enough anymore.

The January security patch for the S8 and Note 8 installs a new bootloader that will block any attempt to change the existing firmware. Period.

Please have my Nobel Prize for Uncanny Accuracy ready...

The_Chief · Feb 2, 2018

A determined modder can refuse the update and block it, but then their devices will remain vulnerable to the Spectre and Meltdown exploits. Time to give it up, guys... the age of Android system modification is over.

Hadron · Feb 3, 2018

Samsung have been hostile to root for a long time. But is the article doesn't say anything new about financial apps, just block a modified Odin and prevent the installation of firmware from a different region, or unlocked firmware on a branded device (which has always been the case for HTC unless you obtain S-Off status).

Yeah, it's par for the course for Samsung, but is there really no other way than this tool?

Jfalls63 · Feb 3, 2018

Another reason I'm glad I ditched Samsung after the S5.

joe71 · Feb 3, 2018

Well its obvious that Samsung in their infant wisdom has decided that people running about unchecked tampering with firmware boot loaders, installing and flashing this Rom and that image is simply a bad idea. Is Samsung wrong? Maybe, maybe not. However I am pretty sure that Samsung will probably saves some lives with this crack down. Seriously folks think about it first its some developer tinkering with some smartphone, the next thing their messing with satellites, government computers and god knows what else because they believe because they were able to reprogram some cellphone they can reprogram and increase efficiency and productivity else where

kokiangel · Feb 3, 2018

Mwah-ha-ha!

j/k...couldn't program myself out of a box.

Shotgun84 · Feb 3, 2018

Is that the Exynos version or is it just the Snapdragon? Samsung have always been like that with the US versions. Anyway, impossible, no. I couldn't do it but there was once a time when there was no Odin. There'll be something else

Anyway I'll take any article that says that Prince Comsy did it and not Chainfire with a pinch of salt.

The_Chief · Feb 4, 2018

When I say 'financial apps', I refer to Android and Samsung Pay, as well as a number of banking apps, that verify the OS firmware is official before they will even open. Even rooting a phone will block Android and Samsung Pay (which I use almost daily).

But our devices have really reached a point where we can do pretty much anything stock that we used to need root for. What good is rooting, then? Who really needs to root and ROM the newest phones, and why?

Hadron · Feb 4, 2018

I've so far resisted rooting my Pixel 2, but TBH the remaining reasons would be better backups and better ad-blocking/firewalling. There are other things for which it would be a convenience, but not a huge one.

Jfalls63 · Feb 4, 2018

I tend to keep my phone longer than update support from the manufacturer and like the ability to run the latest Android version 3 or 4 years from purchase.
I agree that stock has combined a lot of the features that were only available in custom roms, but still prefer to be able to choose the OS I want to run on the hardware that I own.
What worries me more is when and if carriers are able to detect if system is modified and black list your device.

El Presidente · Feb 4, 2018

The_Chief said:
The January security patch for the S8 and Note 8 installs a new bootloader that will block any attempt to change the existing firmware. Period.

That's not actually the case for the S8: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75423200&postcount=657

Unsure if it's a different story for the note though.

The_Chief · Feb 4, 2018

Thank you for the clarification, EP. I still stand by my statement that the risks of rooting now outweigh the benefits. Yes, nandroid backups are freaking awesome: but I almost never reset my phone unless I'm getting a new one... in which case the nandroid is of little use to me. I'm glad you guys are still into modding. I'm a happy stock user.

InfernalByte · Feb 4, 2018

What exactly is the point of a nandroid back up these days? All my stuff is backed up live, and as for settings, fresh installs are always better.

El Presidente · Feb 5, 2018

The_Chief said:
I'm glad you guys are still into modding. I'm a happy stock user.

Literally, the only reason I've installed a ROM this time around is to move the clock to the centre of my status bar.

The official themes you get via Samsung make most of the other reasons I root obsolete. I'd miss Titanium, but could probably live without it.

InfernalByte said:
What exactly is the point of a nandroid back up these days? All my stuff is backed up live, and as for settings, fresh installs are always better.

There isn't really if you're not mucking about with system files etc.

BigRedGonzo · Feb 6, 2018

I agree that the need for root, these days, is practically nil, but once you chucked out nearly $1000 for a device it becomes yours. I understand the warranty nightmare that can be associated with a "root gone bad" on a new device, but after all is paid off and the warranty has expired you certainly shouldn't have to ditch the device and you certainly should be able to mod it, if the mood strikes. As for the financial stuff, the company provides a service that, if breeched, could cause real troubles for someone, they should be able to block use of those services to the tinkerers. It is their service and to maintain security, they should be able to call the shots on what it is used on and how it is used, but they can block usage of the service without shutting out the modders.

BigRedGonzo

The_Chief · Mar 29, 2018

It looks like this is a non-issue after all - as a matter of follow up, the OP of the warning retracted it:

https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/bootloader-block-carrier-switching-t3742409

Root Samsung Update BLOCKS User Installs!

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