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Linux 4.5-rc5: efivarfs fixed to avoid “rm -rf /” bricking UEFI

(git.kernel.org)
279 points the_why_of_y | 1 comments | 22 Feb 16 18:08 UTC | HN request time: 0.424s | source
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literally_ ◴[23 Feb 16 01:23 UTC] No.11155753[source]▶
And so, when we say "permanently destroy" do we really mean that something is "destroyed" and so done with "permanence"?

This motherboard... It refuses any sort of reflashing of the firmware? Taking the button cell out of the battery slot, and removing all power from the board does nothing? The motherboard won't enter BIOS, upon pressing F10 at power on?

What is this... "bricking" we speak of, here?

replies(1): >>11155950 #
nkurz ◴[23 Feb 16 02:08 UTC] No.11155950[source]▶
Yes, this is one of the rare cases where "brick" is being used in the correct technical sense of rendering the motherboard permanently unusable without repairs involving a soldering iron. There is no reset option.
replies(1): >>11156065 #
1. Laforet ◴[23 Feb 16 02:36 UTC] No.11156065[source]▶
Depends on the package used it may be possible to reprogram the UEFI chip in situ with test clips[1]. But of course one will still need to acquire a reprogrammer and a know good copy of firmware.

[1]https://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/test-and-measureme...