Overview of the Qualcomm GBL Exploit POC
mainThis project is a Proof of Concept (POC) for unlocking the Qualcomm bootloader by exploiting the GBL (Google Bootloader) stage in the ABL (Android Bootloader).
Core Concept
Qualcomm implements a GBL boot stage as a UEFI application stored in the efisp partition. While Qualcomm uses its own verification mechanism instead of standard UEFI Secure Boot, the GBL stage itself is unsigned. This allows for the loading of unsigned UEFI applications, which can be used to achieve arbitrary code execution.
Exploitation Path
- Load Unsigned UEFI App: Flash a custom EFI file into the
efisppartition. - Arbitrary Code Execution: Execute the unsigned app during the GBL stage.
- Overwrite Lock State: Use the ABL's internal functions (which read/write
devinfo) to overwrite the lock state stored in the RPMB (Replay Protected Memory Block) before the milestone check occurs.