Firmware decryption keys for every S5L8942 (A5 Rev A) iOS device have just been released. Here’s what you need to know about it.

• Update (August 12) – Keys for iPhone 5S and iPad Air (A7 devices) are now public.
• Update (November 1) – Decryption keys for kloader64 on iPad Air 2 are now public.

axi0mx Decrypts Firmware Keys for A5 Rev A Devices

Developer axi0mX has successfully decrypted the firmware keys of all devices using the A5 Rev A processor. Here’s what the developer tweeted.

Surprise! Decryption keys for all S5L8942 devices will be on the iPhone wiki today. Coolbooter dual boots and Odysseus downgrades #eta #son!

— axi0mX (@axi0mX) July 20, 2017

Here’s the complete list of iOS devices belonging to A5 Rev A class.

• iPad 2 (iPad 2,4)
• iPad mini
• iPod touch 5
• Apple TV 3
• iPhone 5S
• iPad Air
• iPad Air 2

This development is absolutely huge and confirms the existence of a significantly powerful exploit out there. According to a tweet by axi0mX’s, he is the one who possesses it.

How are Firmware Decryption Keys useful?

Firmware keys allow hackers and security researchers to decrypt a firmware’s IPSW file and check its contents.

Apart from helping developers, these keys are immensely useful for the average user. They allow you to perform the following –

• Dual boot two firmware versions on a jailbroken device.
• Downgrade a jailbroken device without SHSH Blobs (with a low-level exploit).
• Downgrade a non-jailbroken device with SHSH Blobs.

Tools such Coolbooter and OdysseusOTA/Beehind allow you to do just that. All you need to is wait for an update and follow this tutorial.

According to me, dual-booting an old firmware along with your new firmware would probably be your best bet.

This is sure to will spark some more life into the legacy A5 device family. If you have an old device lying around, it’s time you dust it off!

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