rooted kernel hiding bootloader unlock
with working sony stock fw fota updates
for Sony Xperia XZ Premium
Firmware Over the Air system updates have been disabled/not working with sony xperia phones with unlocked bootloader.
Also many sony drm functions are disabled if fw detects unlocked bootloader even if device master key was recovered.
I've implemented a kernel patch for xperia XZ1 Compact / XZ1 / XZ Premium phones that properly masks bootloader unlock status so it appears as still locked for sony stock firmwares.
This allows FOTA updates to be installed if running completely unmodified stock firmware. This is possible if this kernel is just booted from usb via fastboot instead of flashing it.
The kernel is pre-rooted, so you can have root as usual with magisk when running this kernel (you can use magisk system less patching to make changes to system/vendor partitions without actually modifying them).
For oreo fw the boot process is patched to hide magisk from sony ric daemon that stops the boot in case it thinks the bootloader is still locked. This special patch allows to pass safetynet including cts while having properly working magisk.
This kernel may be used (flashed) just to properly enable sony drm features, like video image enhancements, if device master key was recovered via locked state TA restore.
The bellow described way to install FOTA system update works with both - phone with TA restored and phone with drm keys lost. Both variants have been tested with xz1c.
How to use this kernel while planning to do FOTA system update eventually
Update: please see here for the latest usage instructions for kernels in flashable zip archive.
Please see screenshots bellow for this kernel in action (with xz1c) doing fota system update from oreo to pie and from pie to next pie version. There is also a video documenting this here. Few longer waiting parts have been cut out to fit the video under 15 minutes of youtube limit for not verified accounts.
if your bootloader is still locked
Use renoroot exploit to backup your TA, unlock your bootloader and restore TA-locked to recover device master key as described in
[XZ1c/XZ1/XZp] temp root exploit to backup drm keys implemented thread.
select one of the prepared kernels and download it
make sure you are running unmodified stock firmware
You need the version corresponding to the selected kernel - reflash the firmware to make sure it is unmodified.
Please note: any mount of /system or /vendor partitions in write mode would result with modifications even if nothing is copied there.
Be aware that some zip packages flashed from twrp may mount the partitions for write access even when that is not needed.
reboot the phone to fastboot mode
Use either "adb reboot bootloader" or
enter fastboot by holding powered off phone's volume up key while connecting it to PC via usb cable and use 'fastboot reboot bootloader' command.
boot the downloaded kernel via fastboot
For example (xz1c):
Code:
fastboot boot boot-G8441-47.1.A.16.20-hideunlock-rooted.img
enjoy your rooted phone which thinks it is still locked
Sony apps will be offered to install/update. System FOTA update may come.
Magisk will provide your root when magisk manager app is installed (offered on the first boot).
if you need to use a custom recovery, like TWRP
Do not flash it. If you do, FOTA update verification will fail.
Instead use 'fastboot boot' the same way as with the kernel above, but instead of the kernel, boot the twrp image without flashing it.
to install a FOTA system update
just start the update as usual
let it run until it finishes the installation
try to catch the restart then and hold volume up that time to enter fastboot
you need to use following command to make next boot working
Code:
fastboot reboot bootloader
use 'fastboot boot' to boot kernel for fw to which fota updating to,
for example (xz1c):
Code:
fastboot boot boot-G8441-47.2.A.4.45-hideunlock-rooted.img
if you miss the restart (or do not have the right kernel version),
it does not matter, the installation will finish even when bootloader unlock is detected with the last reboot to updated system,
so just 'fastboot boot' the corresponding 'hideunlock-rooted' kernel then
Alternative use of this kernel
If you do not like booting from usb via fastboot to startup your phone, you can flash the kernel and boot normally.
But if you like to install FOTA system update then, you would need to flash the stock kernel first in order to make the fw untouched again (assuming no other changes to the fw, like system or vendor partitions, have been done) and boot the patched kernel via 'fastboot boot' as described above.
You can backup stock kernel (and recovery) to avoid need to download full stock fw when you need to restore stock kernel & recovery when you decide to install fota system update - see here and following post for more details please.
If you do not care about FOTA, just do not install it.
And use this kernel just to enable all sony drm features that are available on a locked phone (assuming locked state TA has been restored).
In case you like to make some modifications to system or vendor partitions (as you do not care about fota), you would need to disable verity in the kernel - please see post#3 for noverity variants of oreo kernels and linked post describing howto switch verity off via magisk in all pie kernels.
Downloads
See the post#2 please.
Source code
patched kernel sources to hide bootloader unlock (my-bluhide/* branches)
https://github.com/j4nn/sonyxperiadev-kernel-copyleft
patched magisk sources to hide magisk from sony ric daemon on early boot phase (v19.1-manager-v7.1.2-ric branch)
https://github.com/j4nn/Magisk/tree/v19.1-manager-v7.1.2-ric
The patches are provided under GPL (that means you may include them in your builds, but you need to provide buildable source of released binaries /true for any kernel change btw/).
Credits
Thanks to @tonsofquestions for lot of initial testing of this concept when I did not have a phone with unlocked bootloader and for discovering the need to reboot to fastboot by a command to make the 'fastboot boot' command properly boot the supplied kernel image.
Thanks to @topjohnwu for his excelent magisk tool.
If you find my work useful, consider donating here please:
https://j4nn.github.io/donate/
Thank you.
XDA:DevDB Information
kernel_bluhide_maple, Kernel for the Sony Xperia XZ Premium
Contributors
j4nn
Source Code: https://github.com/j4nn/sonyxperiadev-kernel-copyleft
Kernel Special Features: proper hiding of bootloader unlock, sony ric with magisk hack
Version Information
Status: Stable
Stable Release Date: 2019-02-10
Created 2019-02-10
Last Updated 2019-08-07
Downloads
- hideunlock kernel pre-rooted boot images:
Xperia XZ Premium (G8141)
boot-G8141-47.1.A.16.20-hideunlock-magisk-19.1.img
boot-G8141-47.2.A.4.41-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8141-47.2.A.6.30-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8141-47.2.A.8.24-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8141-47.2.A.10.28-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8141-47.2.A.10.45-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8141-47.2.A.10.62-hideunlock-magisk-19.3.img
Xperia XZ Premium Dual (G8142)
boot-G8142-47.1.A.16.20-hideunlock-magisk-19.1.img
boot-G8142-47.2.A.4.41-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8142-47.2.A.6.30-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8142-47.2.A.8.24-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8142-47.2.A.10.28-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8142-47.2.A.10.45-hideunlock-rooted.img
boot-G8142-47.2.A.10.62-hideunlock-magisk-19.3.img
- hideunlock kernels flashable to multi fw versions (see here for usage howto):
Xperia XZ Premium (G8141)
kernel-G8141-47.1.A.16.20-hideunlock.zip
kernel-G8141-47.2.A.10.62-hideunlock.zip
kernel-G8141-47.2.A.10.80-hideunlock.zip
kernel-G8141-47.2.A.10.107-hideunlock.zip
kernel-G8141-47.2.A.11.228-hideunlock.zip
Xperia XZ Premium Dual (G8142)
kernel-G8142-47.1.A.16.20-hideunlock.zip
kernel-G8142-47.2.A.10.62-hideunlock.zip
kernel-G8142-47.2.A.10.80-hideunlock.zip
kernel-G8142-47.2.A.10.107-hideunlock.zip
kernel-G8142-47.2.A.11.228-hideunlock.zip
Screenshots of XZ1c FOTA system update from oreo 47.1.A.16.20 to pie 47.2.A.4.45
(video available here)
Downloads
This is for alternative use only - please see post#10 of XZ1 thread for more details.
boot-G8141-47.1.A.16.20-hideunlock-magisk-19.1-noverity.img
boot-G8142-47.1.A.16.20-hideunlock-magisk-19.1-noverity.img
Screenshots of XZ1c FOTA system update from pie 47.2.A.4.45 to pie 47.2.A.6.30 version
(video available here since 08:10 time)
I am 47.2.A.2.33，can I use 47.2.A.6.30?
So this doesn't work at all with unlocked devices that doesn't have a backup
@j4nn
If the bootloader is unlocked???
And flashing this kernel, nothing happen
nonokirton said:
I am 47.2.A.2.33，can I use 47.2.A.6.30?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have 47.2.A.4.41 fw, flash that and then you can try FOTA to 47.2.A.6.30.
Let me know, if you need a build of 47.2.A.2.33 kernel, which variant of xzp, if you want to test fota and cannot find the appropriate older fw.
SilverGamer_YT said:
So this doesn't work at all with unlocked devices that doesn't have a backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually FOTA works even with devices where "drm keys" have been lost.
I've just tested that (restoring TA-unlocked to get the lost keys state) and I was able to fully install fota from 47.2.A.4.45 to 47.2.A.6.30 using my patched kernel with XZ1c.
So for FOTA it is working. And with pie, camera works without device master key (both with stock and with this unlock hiding kernel).
You would not get video image enhancements obviously, but currently there is no drmfix available with pie that would make it work, is it?
So I guess this is quite good actually (in pie case) even for devices without TA restored.
@karrouma, I am not sure what you mean.
j4nn said:
If you have 47.2.A.4.41 fw, flash that and then you can try FOTA to 47.2.A.6.30.
Let me know, if you need a build of 47.2.A.2.33 kernel, which variant of xzp, if you want to test fota and cannot find the appropriate older fw.
Actually FOTA works even with devices where "drm keys" have been lost.
I've just tested that (restoring TA-unlocked to get the lost keys state) and I was able to fully install fota from 47.2.A.4.45 to 47.2.A.6.30 using my patched kernel with XZ1c.
So for FOTA it is working. And with pie, camera works without device master key (both with stock and with this unlock hiding kernel).
You would not get video image enhancements obviously, but currently there is no drmfix available with pie that would make it work, is it?
So I guess this is quite good actually (in pie case) even for devices without TA restored.
@karrouma, I am not sure what you mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you unlocked your bootloader
And you are in pie,
This patch is not working
You want a brand new device to backup the drm from oreo
And it is ok after
karrouma said:
If you unlocked your bootloader
And you are in pie,
This patch is not working
You want a brand new device to backup the drm from oreo
And it is ok after
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kernel can be used on UB, just for updates though.
Beetle84 said:
The kernel can be used on UB, just for updates though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i know
But if you don't backup your ta partion
The message when booting still appearing
karrouma said:
If you unlocked your bootloader
And you are in pie,
This patch is not working
You want a brand new device to backup the drm from oreo
And it is ok after
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As described above, the patched kernel enables fota system update even in case of unlocked phone with drm keys lost and the update can be installed as described.
So it is working even in the case which I originally assumed it would not work.
karrouma said:
Yes i know
But if you don't backup your ta partion
The message when booting still appearing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean the "Your device software cannot be checked for corruption. Please lock the bootloader." message displayed right at the beginning of boot - that has nothing to do with (patched or not) kernel or not even with the state of phone's TA (if it was restored after unlock with from locked state backup or if "drm keys" got lost because TA was not backed up before unlock).
That message will be there just from the fact that the bootloader had been unlocked. It is displayed by bootloader even before kernel is loaded.
Restore of TA does not re-lock the bootloader (like it has been the case with some previous xperia generations), so we cannot get rid of that message ever after unlock of a phone.
But with that message Sony suggests to (re)lock the bootloader - maybe someone could claim it to make sony tell us how we should do the re-lock of the bootloader.
Great work I'll implement this into my kernel with credit to you!
@LazerL0rd, thanks for letting me know.
Just wondering, do you plan to support fota system update of stock fw as I did or is your goal just to mask that bootloader had been unlocked?
Anyway, it's good to see that my work is useful.
j4nn said:
As described above, the patched kernel enables fota system update even in case of unlocked phone with drm keys lost and the update can be installed as described.
So it is working even in the case which I originally assumed it would not work.
If you mean the "Your device software cannot be checked for corruption. Please lock the bootloader." message displayed right at the beginning of boot - that has nothing to do with (patched or not) kernel or not even with the state of phone's TA (if it was restored after unlock with from locked state backup or if "drm keys" got lost because TA was not backed up before unlock).
That message will be there just from the fact that the bootloader had been unlocked. It is displayed by bootloader even before kernel is loaded.
Restore of TA does not re-lock the bootloader (like it has been the case with some previous xperia generations), so we cannot get rid of that message ever after unlock of a phone.
But with that message Sony suggests to (re)lock the bootloader - maybe someone could claim it to make sony tell us how we should do the re-lock of the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I use this kernel will I just have the same device as if it were locked but with root and that message? I'm currently having some issues with root at the moment. I'm using existenz ROM and the kernels in the thread and Snapchat keeps detecting that I'm not using legit software even though I don't even have magisk. Another thing is that if I uninstall magisk right now then my safetynet checks all fail without magisk which gives me issues with Google pay and these two problems are what make me wanna relock my bootloader. But after reading this apparently I can't even with the ta backup. So I'm mainly more concerned on a way to be able to use those applications right now and what the best possible way would be to go for it because I'm finding it difficult to find a method with or without magisk where I wouldn't get banned from Snapchat and where I would be able to use Google pay. Thanks for any suggestions it would be highly and greatly appreciated!
@RJASSI21, if you restored locked state TA and run unmodified stock fw with this kernel booted from usb via 'fastboot boot' command, you would get very close to still locked phone, but with fully working root (magisk), obviously with the unlocked warning message on boot.
I believe if you run the setup as just described, you would not have problems with apps detecting root, easily passing safetynet cts check.
The problem is when you install something like the mentioned existenz - that patches stock fw files directly and there may be processes (either in sony fw or downloaded with safetynet stuff from google or even in some apps) that discover these changes and therefore detect rooted system.
If you installed only proper magisk modules that comply with magisk system less rooting (i.e. no modifications in system nor vendor partitions) - such modules may be made hidden with magiskhide to certain apps or google's safety net check. If something simply is flashed into system or vendor partitions, it cannot be made hidden for picky processes.
That means if using only proper magisk systemless modules, you could have root and customizations, still run stock fw with verity enabled kernel booted from usb 'fastboot boot' and even allow fota system update and get it successfully installed (assuming that twrp is not flashed either, instead it is also booted from usb if needed).
j4nn said:
@RJASSI21, if you restored locked state TA and run unmodified stock fw with this kernel booted from usb via 'fastboot boot' command, you would get very close to still locked phone, but with fully working root (magisk), obviously with the unlocked warning message on boot.
I believe if you run the setup as just described, you would not have problems with apps detecting root, easily passing safetynet cts check.
The problem is when you install something like the mentioned existenz - that patches stock fw files directly and there may be processes (either in sony fw or downloaded with safetynet stuff from google or even in some apps) that discover these changes and therefore detect rooted system.
If you installed only proper magisk modules that comply with magisk system less rooting (i.e. no modifications in system nor vendor partitions) - such modules may be made hidden with magiskhide to certain apps or google's safety net check. If something simply is flashed into system or vendor partitions, it cannot be made hidden for picky processes.
That means if using only proper magisk systemless modules, you could have root and customizations, still run stock fw with verity enabled kernel booted from usb 'fastboot boot' and even allow fota system update and get it successfully installed (assuming that twrp is not flashed either, instead it is also booted from usb if needed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thank you for this information. So if I return to stock fw and use this kernel will I no longer get banned from things like snapchat?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/help/snapchat-locking-magisk-hide-t3895685/page4
ive read in this link that its possible they detect root not magisk or the app. Also would i have to boot the kernel everytime i reboot the device? Also will i have 960fps recording back as an option and 4k in youtube?
@RJASSI21, sorry, I have no experience with snapchat or whatever that is.
As mentioned in my post above, you can get very close to locked stock particularly if locked TA was restored, including fota system update possibility.
But to keep fota system update, you would need to usb boot the kernel instead of flashing it. Or flash it and revert it before starting fota update. Same thing for twrp.
Everything is mentioned in the first and second post.
j4nn said:
@RJASSI21, sorry, I have no experience with snapchat or whatever that is.
As mentioned in my post above, you can get very close to locked stock particularly if locked TA was restored, including fota system update possibility.
But to keep fota system update, you would need to usb boot the kernel instead of flashing it. Or flash it and revert it before starting fota update. Same thing for twrp.
Everything is mentioned in the first and second post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so flashing this kernel would be like having a locked bootloader with root? This includes all the same features as a locked bootloader so 960fps recording and things like that. It would make it seem like it's locked and that if you put an XZP with a locked bootloader next to one with an unlocked bootloader you wouldn't be able to tell the difference?
Is that correct? Like is there anything at all that makes it noticeable at all that it's unlocked? Sorry for all the questions I just don't want to do this and then still have the same results after.
@RJASSI21, I would say so, at least in case of XZp.
With XZ1 / XZ1c you can tell the difference with use of Android Attest Key - but if I am not mistaken, that has never been present with XZp.
See "Android Attest Key lost" xz1c thread, post#98 and following posts up to post#103.
btw, could you please avoid full quoting of just last post you are replying to?
I do not think it is that useful, if the post that has been replied to is just above it, is it?
Sure thing sorry about that but everything should be answered for me now. I was unaware when unlocking the bootloader that having a ta backup wouldn't allow me to relock it so I'm just going to relock it on my z4 tablet instead since I wanted to anyway. Thanks for all the help.
I've been trying to get the root prompt on the ZTE Blade A7 Prime (Visible version; MediaTek MT6761 A22 Quadcore processor) since the past couple of weeks and have researched down all the possible known and/or related methods discussed in forums here and failed each one of them, due to the following 2 fundamental reasons:
Failure reasons:
1. ZTE Blade A7 Prime has the 'unlock' command(s) removed from the fastboot, viz., 'fastboot oem [unlock | unlock-go | unlock_critical]' are not even implemented and the 'fastboot flashing [unlock | unlock_critical]' commands have been removed. So all the permanent rooting methods, including the Magisk App, fail.
2. There was a firmware auto-upgrade around 2021JUN01 by ZTE. This was the first one since the last upgrade back in ~2020JAN/FEB, when the bootloader-locked 'mtk-su' bootless root method was supposedly working (I had not tried it then). Now its broken and I am getting the following error right at the launch of the 'mtk-su -v' command:
" armv71 machine
Failed critical init step 1 "
The following methods of getting a root prompt DO NOT work anymore:
A. Magisk App method:
Releases · topjohnwu/Magisk
The Magic Mask for Android. Contribute to topjohnwu/Magisk development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
This method requires an unlocked bootloader and that is NOT possible due to 1. above.
B. bootloader locked 'mtk-su' bootless root method:
Amazing Temp Root for MediaTek ARMv8 [2020-08-24]
Software root method for MediaTek MT67xx, MT816x, and MT817x! So it's no big secret that not too long ago, I found a way to achieve temporary root on MediaTek chipsets. No preinstalled root solution or device unlock was needed. The tool I...
forum.xda-developers.com
AND
Amazing Temp Root for MediaTek ARMv8 [2020-08-24]
Software root method for MediaTek MT67xx, MT816x, and MT817x! So it's no big secret that not too long ago, I found a way to achieve temporary root on MediaTek chipsets. No preinstalled root solution or device unlock was needed. The tool I...
forum.xda-developers.com
Both these above procedures FAIL because of the failure mentioned in 2. above.
C. The mtk-su easy App method.
ZTE Blade 10 prime root possible?
Is it possible to root the blade 10 prime? I couldn't find a suitable forum thread for it, so sorry if this is the wrong place. If it's the wrong place, is there somewhere I should post this question instead?
forum.xda-developers.com
OR
GitHub - JunioJsv/mtk-easy-su: Get bootless root access with few clicks.
Get bootless root access with few clicks. Contribute to JunioJsv/mtk-easy-su development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
This method also fails due to 2. above as its just a wrapper around the 'mtk-su' B. method above.
If anyone knows how to get the root prompt, or even the bootloader unlocked by any method whatsoever, please enlighten.
pity you didn't use flashify or some partition backup software to save your phone firmware before it auto upgraded. then you'd be able to use sp flash tool to revert back to the rootable build
the bootloader isn't unlockable so the above is probably the only way you're getting root back if you can ask someone to provide the stock firmware and scatter file for you
luridphantom said:
pity you didn't use flashify or some partition backup software to save your phone firmware before it auto upgraded. then you'd be able to use sp flash tool to revert back to the rootable build
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't flashify require root access to save the phone's firmware? I read a bit now about flashify and that's what I figure it implies/requires. I never had root access. I only tried to get it in 2021JUN and realized that I was late to the game by just about a month.
BTW, any chance the 'mtx-su' rooting script would be updated to root this new firmware update?
luridphantom said:
the bootloader isn't unlockable so the above is probably the only way you're getting root back if you can ask someone to provide the stock firmware and scatter file for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please care to give some pointers as to how to get the prior stock firmware and the "scatter file" and the procedure to downgrade?
TIA.
vla-511411 said:
Doesn't flashify require root access to save the phone's firmware? I read a bit now about flashify and that's what I figure it implies/requires. I never had root access. I only tried to get it in 2021JUN and realized that I was late to the game by just about a month.
BTW, any chance the 'mtx-su' rooting script would be updated to root this new firmware update?
Could you please care to give some pointers as to how to get the prior stock firmware and the "scatter file" and the procedure to downgrade?
TIA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea, the idea is to backup with flashify once you had a temp root with mtk-su if you were able to get it before. i've done it with some old alcatels to save their fw in case i ever had a forced update
no mtk-su update because the exploit has been patched long ago
you won't be able to get it unless someone else has the prior stock firmware. there's this method of dumping old fw without root that i haven't tried yet
How to use SP Flash tool to backup Mediatek firmware
Update: I suggest you use Wwr tool + SP flash tool for the dump instead of SP Flash tool alone as you can proceed without first having the scatter file and using MTK Droid Tools (which is now outdated
forum.hovatek.com
I'll give that 'wwr-tool + SP flash tool' method a try and comment back.
BTW, my ZTE phone is running Android 9 and hence has the partition A/B architecture. So, is it possible to that the *other* partition, viz., the currently non-active partition still has the older boot and system images?
i would just dump your entire rom and take out the partitions you need with the scatter file. that file gives you a mapping of where every partition is
without an unlocked bootloader id be very careful flashing partitions anywhere even with sp flash tool
Appreciate your responses.
I don't exactly know what you mean by a "scatter file" but I do have the text o/p of the /dev/block/.../by-name directory (I'm very comfortable with Linux, I just don't know Android), if that's what is that scatter file for. Else, please detail how to get that. FWIW, I have read up and understand (to the extent needed) what the 2-partition slot A and B are about. If there're tutes or references about how/what all set of stock images I need to save out from my phone, please detail.
Ofcourse, I'll be very careful with flashing things with the locked bootloader. The only intent of mine is to extract the boot.img for patching via Magisk (which does not need a unlocked bootloader) and get the root prompt. So, again, my interest in 'mtk-su' or any other temp-root methods is just to extract that boot.img kernel image for Magisk.
I'm not yet able to use that SP flash tool method and will give details once I figure out that I'm not doing some basic wrong.