python mstar_info.py firmware.bin
python mstar_decrypt.py -i encrypted.bin -o decrypted.bin -k 0x5A The key 0x5A is common; other variants use 0xAA , 0xFF , or a 16-byte keystream. You may need to brute force the key using the mstar_xor_bruteforce.py script. If you desoldered the SPI flash chip and read it with an EEPROM programmer (e.g., CH341A), the resulting dump includes ECC bytes. Standard unpacking will fail. Use:
# 1. Clone the repository git clone https://github.com/hisilicon-oss/mstar-bin-tool-master.git # Note: Replace with the actual URL of the active fork if the original is stale. # Popular active forks: 'littleyoda/mstar-bin-tool' or 'cr4ck/iptv-stuff' cd mstar-bin-tool-master 3. Install required Python dependencies pip install -r requirements.txt mstar-bin-tool-master
unsquashfs rootfs.bin Or, if it’s a UBI image:
For serious reverse engineering or repair automation, the open-source tool wins. For simple flashing of known-good OEM firmware, the ISP Tool may suffice. Let’s walk through a complete project using mstar-bin-tool-master . python mstar_info
python mstar_raw_nand.py --extract --ecc 64 raw_dump.bin This script removes the ECC bytes, reunites sectors, and produces a linear binary that mstar-bin-tool-master can understand. When you only need the logo but the full firmware is 64MB:
While the tool has a learning curve and requires careful attention to offsets and checksums, its power is undeniable. Start with a known-good firmware dump, practice on a cheap device, and always keep a hardware flasher on standby. Standard unpacking will fail
ubireader_extract_images rootfs.bin Suppose you extracted the rootfs, changed a boot logo or a startup script, and now want to rebuild.