yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] pbarrette:
I agree on some of your points, but you may never get a "full" backup of the "TA" partition.

Phone chipsets are getting better and attention to security concerns is increasing.

On the Z3/Z5, the DRM key was held on a flash-memory partition and could be accessed by reading out that partition. The same may not be true for newer devices.

Instead, it's possible that the DRM key is now stored in the programmable qfuse block of the S835 chip itself and protected by the Qualcomm TrustZone architecture. The qfuse storage area is limited, but Qualcomm keeps making more space available for things exactly like this in newer chips. Additionally, those qfuses can be "blown", which means literally burning out a fuse. That kind of protection can make recovery impossible.

I don't know if the DRM keys are held this way, but it's not impossible and it would make sense from Sony's perspective to at least blow a qfuse related to bootloader unlock to ensure that people aren't cheating on their warranty.

The people in this thread should be aware that if they unlock the bootloader, then they should expect to lose their warranty regardless and should never try to pass off a phone with an unlocked bootloader as "original". To do otherwise would make that person a liar.

Also, Sony could put out an update that completely changes the boot method, requiring a whole new bootloader and DRM mechanism, which renders your previous TA backup useless. So you should also expect, with an unlocked bootloader, that any future updates from the vendor can break your hack.

That's part of the price you pay, which is often why I don't unlock until there's a stable, supported alternate ROM, or the vendor is no longer supporting the phone.

If you feel that sToRm's DRM fix isn't for you, then don't use it and don't donate to him.

Nobody is obligated to do either.

Or do it like me. Wait (or look) for an Elevation of Privilege exploit, or your warranty to expire, AND donate to sToRm for his excellent work.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] c_tho:
this was extremely insightful, thank you.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] karlchen68:
I do not want to say anything bad I just hope that Sony does not go the same way as Samsung and other manufacturers that would be a great pity.As I said, hope dies last maybe someone will find a way.

Addendum: I read the forum xzpremium, and which XDA Developer "storm//" write on his homepage about sonys new practices. it's very shameful what sony here does. their phones are very expensive(apple sends greetings....), but I can not do with it, because many things are not working after a simple root (Unfortunately, sony totally forgot people pay a lot of money and after that the phone is theirs ), camera for example .... under these circumstances, it is probably better (at least for me), in future no Sony to buy more. that's worse than samsung with his sh.... efuse practice. At least the camera works there after the root. sony, that's shameful, what you do.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Drago007:
I'll give $20
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] aikon96:
Sorry guys, whats the problem of this discussion?

Just translatiing the bounty requirements into code, I mean:

Bounty description of (C)

If (DRM and TA features working) then
// fact is that we can use the FEARURES of DRM and TA
C := true;
end if;

--> in pseudo programming language:

Bounty program:

if(A) OR (B) OR (C) OR (D)) then
// (C) is true!!!
proof your work and get bounty and rock the phone
else
while(not another_hack_available) do
mimimi();
wait; // perhaps for month...
end loop;
end if;

I would say, to boost this discussion:

If anyone doesn't agree with (C), then get the money out of the pot (i think there should be a deadline of 2-3 days) and let sToRm// rock this phone.

BTW: I'm in with 50€
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] ChronoReverse:
Apologies, I'd like to withdraw my bid (thinking OP5T is more for me after all).
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Didgesteve:
I might be turning up late for the debate, but it looks to me like sToRm// has a way to root our XZ1's , there is very positive feedback from XZP users that his hack works.

So now you're trying to find a way to renege on payment of the bounty?

Arguing over should our shouldn't it include TA activation. Honestly, give the man some credit and pay up.

No one else has come close.

Edit: I'm happy to put my money where my mouth is and pay sToRm// $20 towards his pizza fund if he fixes root for the XZ1c
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] mhaha:
A DRM-fix like patch, while an incredible achievement in itself, is not what I signed up for.

I am not denying credit or respect of anyone who is able to satisfy clause (C), however the end result is simply not the same as clause (A) or (B), which both retains the ability to fully restore the phone to its original state - locked bootloader with original DRM keys intact, as if it has never been unlocked.

How people use a given tool is not a valid reason to judge the people supporting the creation of such a tool.

Any further implications, such as warranty claims or reselling, due to the ability to revert a phone to original state, including the morality of such actions, are frankly not within the scope of discussion for this bounty.

Anyway, seems like I didn't comprehend clause C fully enough.

I'd like to update the conditions of my pledge, I will donate only if clause (A) or (B) is satisfied. If this creates complications for this bounty, then I withdraw my pledge completely.

Although it isn't much, I'd also like to double the amount of my personal pledge from $10 to $20 in acknowledgement of the increased difficulty of cracking this newer security platform.

So I just re-read the "fine print", one of the rules clearly stated for this bounty is as quoted:

Therefore, I hereby withdraw my bounty. Sorry.

Best of luck to whomever is trying, I'm rooting (punny!) for you.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] marcelcerdan13:
Any progress so far ? It's been a while since I heard from sToRm// for some testing.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] sToRm//:
Yes. Seems like I get a working TWRP. I will create a patch for XZ1c soon and test it. But I'm really sure it works. :)
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Didgesteve:
Might be a good idea to base your build on the new firmware 47.1.A.5.51, which includes the 'camera fix'
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] sToRm//:
Sure, I will create fixes for different versions like I do on XZP ;) Problem is, I don't own an XZ1 or XZ1c, so it's really difficult to test things. I'm sure if I had this device, it would just be a few hours to get it done. That's why I asked for the bounty here. I would take the money, buy the device and do it like I did it on my XZP. ;)
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] zippy01:
Isn't the conditions of the bounty that you show that it's working first then claim the bounty should the requirements be met?
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] sToRm//:
Sure. But I would not invest that money (before), if I know I won't get it back. Haha...
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Mega99:
I'll pledge 20 USD!
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] sajeel:
Any updates on this was looking to get sony xperia xz1 uk spec from ee but must be able to root and load custom rom will aosp rom work on this model and keep drm ?
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Didgesteve:
no

there's work in by progress by sToRm// to apply a drm fix for the XZ1c and I think I read that there is now a TWRP recovery available., but it's not for the latest firmware.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] kpjs4s:
I'm in

put me down for $15 :good:
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] sparkster171:
I'm in for $120. which is about half of what ad revenue and mobile tracking would make on me. Because its not possible to run a vpn AND a firewall at the same time. (because non rooted firewalls use the vpn insertion). So either my apps go checking in the background and make connections over my wifi or my ISP knows exactly everything I do (which they can sell in the USA thanks to H. J. RES. 86 passed by the Republicans). Right now I'll stick with VPN, but its crazy how many apps phone home. I guess I have to be very peculiar about which apps are accessing internet in the background, if this root method never comes forth (which I'm beginning to think will be the case because I have good opinions on the sony developer team.. for the most part). Maybe I should suggest that my vpn provider make/s a better piece of software.. Heck maybe we should suggest android software team puts forth firewall config from the start..
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] mar10777:
I'm min for $20
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Braindeadz:
I'm out, i sold my xz1c for the oneplus 5. good luck
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] blackknightavalon:
Withdrawing. Switched to the OnePlus 5T.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] pergoteborg:
It's not that strange that SONY want to limit their support obligation if people flash custom ROMS they have no control over, is it?

I think anything else would be really strange and would like to honor Sony for their effort and honesty in the matter
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] marcelcerdan13:
I'm not complaining about the support limitation and warranty write off. I'm complaining about the stupid attitude consisting in limiting the camera and several other features in the process. That's absolutely moronic. Others don't do it that way. How do you expect devs to invest in a device if they have to pay full price and get a phone without a camera ?
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] 4rz0:
Devs don't bring them the money, normal users do. And those don't care about root or custom ROMs.

We here are just a tiny fraction of people that own this phone. So why assign ressources to support us? You can't please everyone.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] marcelcerdan13:
You're missing the point. It's not a question of support or warranty. It's a question of features. The devices lose features because we unlock the bootloader. And it loses features because of a moronic DRM policy, that link those features to the existence of the DRM keys. And that is stupid, period. Others devices makers don't do that.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] pbarrette:
What?

Plenty of other manufacturers do that.

It's usually a bit less extreme than Sony's version, which currently makes the camera non-functional, but other manufacturers have bootloader unlock policies that reduce functionality.

LG (as an example) says:

1. Once your phone is unlocked, it will no longer be covered by LG warranty.

2. Unlocking the phone will disable certain functions of your phone.

4. Once unlocked, it cannot be undone.

Moto says:

- Applications may not work anymore.

- You may lose encryption support.

- You may lose some key functions like telephone, radio, and audio playback.

- Unless you have a Developer Edition device, once you get the unlock code, your device is no longer covered by the Motorola warranty.

Samsung is notorious for Knox, which is implemented by burning a fuse out, and they haven't allowed bootloader unlocks on their Snapdragon phones at all recently.

So Sony isn't really doing anything that much different from anyone else, except breaking the camera when used with their software.

They even provide a partition image loaded with libraries that allow the camera to work with their open-source AOSP builds, just lacking the quality and some of the features of their stock ROMs. How many other manufacturers do that?
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] marcelcerdan13:
Braking the camera for DRM reasons is a no go for me. Maybe that's why I'm more sensible to Sony's way. If sToRm// can't make his fix work, I will move to another brand.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] ArminAvdicevic:
Hey I hace this device

Hello! can i be the tester? I have unlocked Bootloader and green fotos :(
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] nickcaper:
It's a good idea to NOT buy this phone till somebody can properly root it and provide a tool to restore FTF if when it gets bricked.

I have the Performance X and it's a huge pain in the butt gums to get it rooted and reinstall FTF.

Sony makes it really hard for me NOT to buy this phone. The aptx HD is s huge feature for me cause I love streaming Spotify to my Stereo. The sound aptx HD feature is very noticable. Add the dual front facing stereo speakers and this is a dam good phone. However it slacks in other areas. For example the ram is 2 times less than flagship phones.

I think I'll just wait till a root is found and it isn't difficult level high!.

---------- Post added at 05:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:46 AM ----------

Totally agree..

Sony is stupid if they think this phone is worth the money as it is now.. if it's easily rooted and can be restored then yeah sure but the ram is lacking. My experience with Sony had allot to be desired. .. Me thinks Sony will end up moving away from cell phones in 2 years. They can't seem to find the numbers in buyers. It was super hard just to find a Performance X when it came out. No stores had it. Had to buy one off eBay and it was 450! It's now rooted, works fine but lacks the special sauce Sony puts in it cause the booloader had to be altered.

So yeah, I agree. If a good quality root isn't found I'm done with Sony.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] pergoteborg:
Good work, sToRm

I'm a poor bastard, but I'm at least in for $15 for your solution for XZ1 Dual (G8342) with FW 47.1.A.5.51
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
I have a question for you bud. If the patch can restore the DRM then what do we actually lose? If we can get root access and the camera still works perfectly then I'll be perfectly happy.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] marcelcerdan13:
It's not actually restoring the DRM files. Once the boot loader is unlocked they're gone, forever. It's making the OS believe they're still here.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
So if the OS believes they are there and the camera starts working perfectly again plus we have root, then what is the downside if any?
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] marcelcerdan13:
I'd say the warranty limitations
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
If that's it then I'm all for it. To hell with the warranty

---------- Post added at 08:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:10 PM ----------

There's a root method for the xz1 compact. Correct me if I'm wrong but don't the full size and compact versions have the same hardware? And if they do shouldn't that root method work on the full size xz1?
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
Can the phone be restored, albeit with the bootloader still unlocked, by flashing the firmware in this thread https://xdaforums.com/xperia-xz1/how-to/sony-xperia-xz1-firmware-download-47-1-t3707003

I'm asking this because if it can then why doesn't somebody who already had an unlocked bootloader try flashing the TWRP for the xz1 compact into the full size xz1?

The thread with the root method and TWRP is located at https://xdaforums.com/xperia-xz1-compact/how-to/how-to-root-xperia-xz1-compact-t3712385

It might be a great step forward if someone is willing to bite the bullet and test it out. The only real difference is the different displays in the two devices.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
Anybody?
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] d-dragon:
The main downside is that this fix will never fix the fact that your drm-keys are still lost in the unlocking process, this means that any other roms other than stock will still have messed up cameras. An additional downside is that you'll be dependent on the maintainer of the drm-fix for compatibility in the future.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
Ah, now that's not good news. Wasn't the original Xperia xz rooted with fill DRM restoration? I hope that can be done with this one.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] aikon96:
Correct me if I am wrong. But any custom ROM won't use drm keys. On the AOSP page of Sony, I mean I have read that the camera is working with custom ROM and unlocked bootloader. But this isn't the topic of this thread. I think modpunk is more in details (lineage OS). So this thread is about original ROM and nothing about custom ROM. Please keep this topic clean and wait for //storm fix.

By the way, u can already use the camera with unlocked bootloader by using Google camera app. So there won't be green pictures. Not the need quality, but better than green pictures (temp. I workaround)
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] d-dragon:
The same goes for me :) if my interpretation thus far was incorrect and custom roms are as you say not affected by the lack of drm-keys then I would love to know. Because in that case I think it's bye bye stock and hello root for me.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] 4rz0:
They are not.

The DRM-keys are only required for certain Sony-software to function.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] pbarrette:
Are you sure about that?

Have a look at this thread regarding AOSP implemented via Treble. In that case, the green photos persisted even when running a non-Sony ROM with a non-Sony camera APK.

I'd say that the issue isn't with Sony apps, but rather that it's tied into the Sony libraries and firmware binaries that the apps use to access the camera. Sony provides different blobs for open source use with AOSP that usually provide some amount of camera support at reduced functionality.

So it's going to depend heavily on how the custom ROM developer is planning to support the camera.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] 4rz0:
With apps, I of course also mean the required libraries and drivers.

Sorry for leaving that detail out.

But this explains why we're either stuck with green pics or mediocre image quality/lack of resolution when using other drivers.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] marcelcerdan13:
Is sToRM// still working on this ?
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] sToRm//:
Yeeeepp. But it's not easy without the device in my hand.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
Storm, if there's anything I can do to help I will happily help. I have a completely stock xz1 with the bootloader still locked but if I can actively help with development then I'll consider unlocking if I have to buy either way if I can help please just let me know.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] karlchen68:
We should be realistic and realize that it makes no sense anymore. Welcome to the digital world 3.0. Software only as a service, Android closed source like ios, just worse, and people pay for products a lot of money, even though they are not their property. This is called digital dog leash. The biggest advantage of Android over IOS is history. And even if there is a FIX in the distant future, the whole thing is no fun and no more sense. My Z3 compact will be my last Sony. Even Samsung is better, despite KNOX. I think a lot of good apps will not be around soon because they all need root (Titanium, Adblocker, Xprivacy and xposed in general, etc.)And Sony is not innocent because of that.Bye bye Sony...

Nobody should buy a Sony, which wants to root the device. Never again.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] c_tho:
unbelievable levels of drama itt
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
I agree
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] pergoteborg:
Please keep thread clean.

This thread is about solving the rooting and the effects of the lost DRM keys when unlocking BL.

I see new posts in the thread and hope for relevant new info. Instead a get patetic whining.

If you want to discuss Sony policy, other politics or your own prefferences start a new thread or even better, whine on facebook or in a blog somewhere else

Please keep the tread clean!
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
You do have a fair point
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] karlchen68:
First,this is only the half truth, this thread was started to find a solution for backup the original DRM Files, before unlocking.... The thing with DRM fix for People who have lost theirs was not the original tought,special only a emergency solution,because DRM Backup on devices with locked bootloader not realistic anymore . and I do not cry but I'm realistic, unlike many others here, who believe in miracles... But I do not want to destroy a dream of somebody and maybe there are still miracles on this point.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] nickcaper:
agreed, I appreciate the person's "whining" cause it's true.. .. I want to add that this move to lock up and shut out any potential for root is real. the corporate people want all of our data. rooting prevents some of this data and they are doing everything they can to prevent root.

such a shame..

just a thing of reality. not sure what I'll do.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] aikon96:
Omg any mod here? Please close this thread, cause only off topic. Fact is: if you want root, then u have to unlock bootloader. Accept it or buy another phone. Second fact is : even with root and storms fix, we have a fully functional Android oreo compact phone where DRM keys are not needed (cause of the fix). So there is no room for any discussion of DRM Keys. Please start another thread if you want to discuss Sony politics,thanks.

Gesendet von meinem G8441 mit Tapatalk
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] karlchen68:
[MENTION=2987119]aikon96[/MENTION]: you write:"fact is : even with root and storms fix, we have a fully functional Android oreo compact phone where DRM keys are not needed"....What you totally forget, most of people want to keep the manufacturer's warranty.Sony is not known for its good quality,my all Z3compact (3) were all at least once for repair(Display,Mainboard etc.),impossible without a guarantee,

and this is the Point

.Maybe you are a rich man. Of course that's no problem then...

And the second important point, you can never resell your phone,because you can never restore it to its original state. Nobody wants such a part.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] _Mdroid_:
Dangling another carrot 15€ in front of your nose :D [MENTION=8363210]sToRm//[/MENTION] keep it up - G8441
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] gabed90:
i'm in for 20€! come on!!
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Nickcer:
Add another $10 hoping for the best.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] JALACB:
I add another 10€....come on !!!

Root without DRM lost will be great
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
I don't have the answer to the DRM keys issue but i have managed to achieve permanent root using Magisk and running a port of the Andro+ kernel with the help of [MENTION=5763902]aledoom[/MENTION] who is my new personal hero, lol. My guide can be found here for those interested in having Magisk over SuperSU:

https://xdaforums.com/xperia-xz1/ho...xperia-xz1-t3718375/post74824723#post74824723
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Mathew Alioska:
eventho stock camera doesn't work, does instagram camera works normally? if it works, ill root.. thanks! btw
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] N1ghtr08d:
No it doesn't work. The only solution there would be to just take your pics with the footej/google camera and upload them to instagram through the gallery.
[Sony Xperia XZ1  Guides, News, & Discussion] Mathew Alioska:
how's the quality of the photos/videos and most importantly the selfie quality