mstar-bin-tool-master is a suite of Python scripts designed to disassemble ( unpack ) and reassemble ( pack ) MStar-based firmware updates. These firmware files (often found as CtvUpgrade.bin or MStarUpgrade.bin ) are utilized in numerous Android TV brands, including TCL, Hisense, Xiaomi, and various budget smart TVs. The tool allows you to:
: Automates AES encryption and applies RSA cryptographic signatures to modified images. Step-by-Step Environment Setup
Missing essential cryptographic or image processing libraries on the local PC.
Are you trying to or change a display panel ?
The updated repository relies on a streamlined Python environment to handle firmware operations. It includes four critical operational scripts: 1. unpack.py mstarbintoolmaster updated
No. The latest “正式版” packages include compiled executable versions of the scripts. However, if you want to run the raw Python scripts, you need Python 3.6+.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | ValueError: invalid literal for int() with base 16: '$(imageOffset)' | The script fails to parse a variable in the header script. | Open unpack.py in Notepad++, find the section containing write.boot and write.p , and delete those lines. Then rerun the script. | | IndexError: list index out of range | Some firmware uses a non‑standard partition layout. | Use the “修复增强版” (enhanced edition) of the tool, which patches this error. | | After repacking without any changes, the firmware fails to flash. | The repack process may have altered the partition size or alignment. | Ensure you are using the correct .ini file (generate a fresh one from the original firmware). Also, verify that you have not inadvertently changed the partition names. | | USB flash process hangs or fails. | The USB drive has a hidden partition (e.g., from being used as a Windows installation disk). | Remove hidden partitions using disk management tools (e.g., DiskPart on Windows). | | Error: “mboot” during USB upgrade. | MBOOT image corrupted or not properly signed. | Try the same firmware on a different USB drive (4 GB or smaller, FAT32). Also, ensure the BIN file is named exactly as the bootloader expects (usually MstarUpgrade.bin ). | | Unpacked system.img cannot be mounted. | The image is in sparse format or uses a non‑standard filesystem. | Use a tool like simg2img (on Linux) to convert the sparse image to a raw image before mounting. |
: Perform your modifications (e.g., changing boot animations or adjusting system settings). Repack and Sign secure_partition.py
: Always keep a clean, unmodified copy of your original .bin file. mstar-bin-tool-master is a suite of Python scripts designed
pack.py configs/your_device.ini
Using pack.py combined with a config.ini file, users can modify the unpacked contents (e.g., adding root access, changing pre-installed apps) and repack them into a new MstarUpgrade.bin file. Securing Partition ( secure_partition.py )
Create or edit the configuration .ini file (refer to configs/letv-x355pro-full.ini as an example). Then run:
: Mount and edit system.img to strip pre-installed bloatware, add launcher preferences, or embed updated hardware drivers. It includes four critical operational scripts: 1
. It allows developers and enthusiasts to unpack, modify, and repack firmware images that would otherwise be locked behind proprietary encryption and signatures. Key Features in the Updated Version
The updated toolkit features a standardized set of core scripts:
: MStar hardware bootloaders often struggle reading partition tables from USB drives larger than 32GB. For maximum reliability, flash via an 8GB or 16GB USB 2.0 storage drive.