Trying to access usage logs

Konikoko · 10-29-2023, 07:30 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm interested in examining the data Kobo logs from users, especially usage information and reading habits. After exploring my Kobo e-reader, I've noticed that every time I open one of my e-books (purchased from the Kobo store), the device attempts to connect to the following address: https://readingservices.kobo.com

All the traffic is encrypted (https). Is there a way to view the data that gets transmitted? Perhaps by checking for log files on the device itself?

I considered using mitmproxy to inspect the traffic, though I'm unsure about how to install the self-signed CA on the device. I couldn't find any certificates, but there is a .pem file (public key) named "logs-public" in the /usr/local/Kobo/ folder.

I came across this thread where someone tried to intercept Kobo's communication:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=228804
but that's about all I found.

If anyone can help me or direct me on how to install a self-signed CA, I would appreciate it.

Thanks a lot!

Aleron Ives · 10-29-2023, 09:18 PM

Another approach would be to study the KoboReader.sqlite file. Presumably, any data that Kobo is collecting about your reading habits will be stored there before being sent to the server, so you can see everything that's being tracked without having to packet log the communication.

Quoth · 10-31-2023, 07:45 AM

It might be for Kobo plus borrowed ebooks?

Konikoko · 10-31-2023, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quoth

It might be for Kobo plus borrowed ebooks?

It seems to happen with all Kobo ebooks, but I'm not sure

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleron Ives

Another approach would be to study the KoboReader.sqlite file. Presumably, any data that Kobo is collecting about your reading habits will be stored there before being sent to the server, so you can see everything that's being tracked without having to packet log the communication.

Thanks for the tip about the sqlite file. I didn't know that!

I still tried the mitm-proxy approach (I was already halfway through), but as I suspected, Kobo doesn't trust the network and disconnects from the proxy hotspot after giving a couple of warnings.

I believe it's still possible, but I'm uncertain about the method. I'll continue tinkering with it for the learning experience. Any input is appreciated

DNSB · 10-31-2023, 06:10 PM

I suspect you will find that much of the personal information is stored in the BookReader.sqlite file which is encrypted.

Aleron Ives · 10-31-2023, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DNSB

I suspect you will find that much of the personal information is stored in the BookReader.sqlite file which is encrypted.

That's definitely not the case for sideloaded books at least, since my BookReader.sqlite file's mtime is from when I initialised the device, and it hasn't been written to since.

10-29-2023, 07:30 PM	#1
Konikoko Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2023 Device: Kobo Clara HD	Trying to access usage logs Hi everyone, I'm interested in examining the data Kobo logs from users, especially usage information and reading habits. After exploring my Kobo e-reader, I've noticed that every time I open one of my e-books (purchased from the Kobo store), the device attempts to connect to the following address: https://readingservices.kobo.com All the traffic is encrypted (https). Is there a way to view the data that gets transmitted? Perhaps by checking for log files on the device itself? I considered using mitmproxy to inspect the traffic, though I'm unsure about how to install the self-signed CA on the device. I couldn't find any certificates, but there is a .pem file (public key) named "logs-public" in the /usr/local/Kobo/ folder. I came across this thread where someone tried to intercept Kobo's communication: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=228804 but that's about all I found. If anyone can help me or direct me on how to install a self-signed CA, I would appreciate it. Thanks a lot!

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10-29-2023, 09:18 PM	#2
Aleron Ives Wizard Posts: 1,425 Karma: 16297052 Join Date: Sep 2022 Device: Kobo Libra 2	Another approach would be to study the KoboReader.sqlite file. Presumably, any data that Kobo is collecting about your reading habits will be stored there before being sent to the server, so you can see everything that's being tracked without having to packet log the communication.

10-31-2023, 07:45 AM	#3
Quoth the rook, bossing Never. Posts: 12,344 Karma: 92073397 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Ireland Device: All 4 Kinds: epub eink, Kindle, android eink, NxtPaper11	It might be for Kobo plus borrowed ebooks?

10-31-2023, 06:10 PM	#5
DNSB Bibliophagist Posts: 40,496 Karma: 156983616 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vancouver Device: Kobo Sage, Libra Colour, Lenovo M8 FHD, Paperwhite 4, Tolino epos	I suspect you will find that much of the personal information is stored in the BookReader.sqlite file which is encrypted.