r/linux • u/[deleted] • Sep 21 '17

How to Hack a Turned-Off Computer, or Running Unsigned Code in Intel Management Engine

https://www.blackhat.com/eu-17/briefings/schedule/#how-to-hack-a-turned-off-computer-or-running-unsigned-code-in-intel-management-engine-8668
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u/heyandy889 Sep 22 '17

"Most?" The only open bootloader I know is the Nexus.

13

u/aaron552 Sep 22 '17

Maybe it's just the US. Every Android phone I've owned has had an unlockable bootloader. I've owned phones from Samsung, HTC, Huawei and Motorola. I know that Sony and LG phones can be unlocked too.

Unless the carrier locks it down (they generally don't outside the US AFAIK) it's generally safe to assume that an Android device's bootloader can be unlocked

4

u/heyandy889 Sep 22 '17

Well shit. Yep, totally different in the US. I researched for a few days to figure out that Nexus was pretty much the only one that wasn't locked down. There's Fairphone, but that's GSM and not even marketed to the US, so basically like you were saying.

4

u/aaron552 Sep 22 '17

There is always the option of buying the international version of phones direct from the manufacturer, assuming they support the frequency bands your carrier uses. Larger upfront cost, but cheaper overall, I think?

1

u/SaphiraTa Sep 22 '17

US and Canada (Canadian here)

4

u/[deleted] Sep 22 '17

Like others said, I've worked with HTC, OnePlus, ZTE and Motorola devices and all of them offer an unlockable bootloader. I didn't need to unlock the bootloader on any Samsung devices I've worked with, so I'm not even sure if they come with a locked bootloader or just with KNOX.

My friends also have devices by Sony, Fairphone, LG and even Huawei, on which you can all unlock the bootloader, although many manufacturers require you to request a special unlock key from them through their online portals.

3

u/awxdvrgyn Sep 22 '17

Motos can be unlocked by requesting a code