PS3 4.88.2 Evilnat Cobra (8.3) Custom FirmWare (CFW-CEX) Released

UPDATE 4.88.2: PS3 Developer @Evilnat has updated and released 4.88.2 Evilnat (Cobra 8.3) CFW , there is a number of new options like an added File manager, Option to toggle Cobra version, and various other new options detailed in the changlog provided below. Also the developer has provided a number of fixes and improvements, View all the details of 4.88.2 release of this latest CFW by @Evilnat

.Original release (4.88.1) Developer @Evilnat (creator of releases like SEN Enabler and PAUD Unpacker) has created and released 4.88 EVILNAT's COBRA CFW, following the success of 4.87 Evilnat's CFW, the developer provides another trusted CFW release that provides the Cobra Payload and all the features it brings (note: MAMBA is an alternative to the Cobra Payload, Cobra is included in firmware's where as MAMBA is typically injected in a Standard CEX CFW via a homebrew app. See all the details of this CFW Release below

Also Included are: noBD / noBT / noBD & noBT CFW Builds (for damaged console's to make them usable again)
-STLcardsWS​



CFW Evilnat.png

  • 4.88.2 EVILNAT (COBRA 8.3)

    Changelog
    • Fixed memory leak in LV2 kernel while Cobra is enabled
    • Added option to dump ERK (eid_root_key) through xai_plugin (from flatz's EID root key dumper)
    • Added option to dump LV2 through xai_plugin
    • Added option to dump LV1 through xai_plugin
    • Added File Manager in xai_plugin (by DeViL303)
    • Added option to toggle Cobra version, release (default in CFW) and debug (get debug logs through socat)
    • Manual FAN speed now works with Cobra disabled too
    • Added system to block login in on PSN/SEN while CFW syscalls are enabled (by DeViL303)
    • Added sort games by name and date options (by aldostools)
    • xai_plugin translated to Brazilian (thanks to jcorrea and LuanTeles)
    • xai_plugin translated to Polish (thanks to KcrPLo and Agrippa)
    • xai_plugin translated to Italian (thanks to Sheireen)
    • xai_plugin translated to Chinese Traditional/Simplified (thanks to xiaoyang)
    • xai_plugin translated to Spanish

    Features
    • Made out of 4.88 OFW
    • Made manually without automatic tools
    • SEN/PSN enabled
    • Disabled deletion of unsigned act.dat and .rif files
    • Allowed unsigned act.dat and .rif files
    • Allowed running of unsigned applications
    • Compatibility with FSELF
    • C00 demo unlocker
    • Disabled LIC.EDAT license check
    • Can be installed over 3.55 OFW
    • Can be installed over +3.56 OFW (bguerville Toolset)
    • Can be installed over any CFW CEX
    • COBRA 8.3 added and enabled as default
    • Full PS2 Games Compatibility
    • Possibility of Downgrade from any CFW with active QA Flags
    • QA Flags active if previously enabled
    • Disabled Epilepsy Message on Boot
    • Compatibility with PSX games in ISO
    • Compatibility with PSP games in ISO
    • Compatibility with PS2 games in ISO
    • Compatibility with PS3 games in ISO/JB folder format
    • Compatibility with ReactPSN
    • Display of Temperatures in XMB In-Game on PS2 Games
    • RSOD Screen Bypass
    • BSOD Screen Bypass
    • PS3_GAME/app_home
    • XMB In-Game Screenshot
    • Added Package Manager
    • CoreOS Hash Check patched to prevent Brick on non-dehashed Downgradate consoles
    • Patched to remove LV2 Protection
    • Peek and Poke (LV2)
    • Peek and Poke (LV1)
    • CINAVIA protection disabled
    • Option to sort games by name and date

    Cobra 8.3
    • Failsafe Cobra stage2 (by bguerville/aldo)
    • Restore CFW Syscalls without reboot just entering to 'Settings > System Update' on XMB (by aldo)
    • Integrated Dynamic Control FAN (to control fan when webMAN is unloaded) (by aldo/Evilnat)
    • Support Photo GUI integration with webMAN MOD (mount games from 'Photo' column) (by aldo/DeViL303)
    • Get/Set FAN speed (by aldo)
    • Enable/disable features: Photo GUI, Restore Syscalls (by aldo)
    • Opcode to create CFW Syscalls (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 35) (by aldo)
    • Opcode to set fake accountID (by Evilnat)
    • Opcode to activate account (act.dat) (by Evilnat)
    • Opcode to create license (RIF) (by Evilnat)
    • Updated ps3mapi_load_process_modules to load custom modules and system modules (by haxxxen)
    • Added ps3mapi_get_process_module_info
    • Increased from 24 to 32 the max number of map paths (by aldo)
    • Added sm_get_temperature patch in kernel (by Evilnat)
    • Added sm_get_fan_policy patch in kernel (by Evilnat)
    • Added sm_set_fan_policy patch in kernel (by Evilnat)
    • Fixed Control FAN payload, avoids loading previous mode (by Evilnat)
    • Disable stage2.bin while Recovery Menu is loaded (by haxxxen)
    • Fixed max FAN speed after shutdown (by Evilnat)
    • Improved Habib's QA flags code imported by aldostools (by Evilnat)
    • Fixed black screen in CFW2OFW converted games (by Evilnat)
    • Added sm_ring_buzzer with single_beep, double_beep and triple_beep (by Evilnat)
    • Skip license creation (rif) if it already exists (by aldo)
    • Added cellFsMkdir symbol (by Evilnat)
    • Added constant FAN Speed while a PS2 ISO is launched (by Evilnat)
    • Check/Disable/Enable QA Flags (by Evilnat)
    • Creation of act.dat while launching a PSN game (by Evilnat)
    • Convert someones's else savedata to your own savedata (by Evilnat)
    • Block Log In on PSN/SEN when CFW syscalls are enabled (by DeViL303)

    Tested in:
    • CECH-2000A
    • CECH-2000B
    • CECH-2001A
    • CECH-2002B
    • CECH-2004A
    • CECH-2012A
    • CECH-2104B
    • CECH-2500A
    • CECH-2501A
    • CECH-2504A
    • CECH-2511A
    • CECH-2511B
    • CECH-L04
    • CECHA01
    • CECHE01
    • CECHB01
    • CECHC04
    • CECHG01
    • CECHP01

    Improvements xai plugin


    These options are in Network tab under [★ Custom Firmware Tools] option:

    Power Options
    • Turn Off: Turns off the PS3
    • Hard Reboot: Reboots the PS3 completely
    • Soft Reboot: Reboots the PS3 softly
    • Reboot LV2: Reboots the LV2

    File Manager
    • Internal Hard Disk Drive 0: Manage PS3 files in /dev_hdd0
    • Internal Hard Disk Drive 1: Manage PS3 cached files in /dev_hdd1
    • USB Mass Storage Devices: Manage files on your USB devices
    • Internal Flash Memory: Manage PS3 internal flash files
    • Optical Disc: Manage optical discs
    • Memory Cards: Manage memory cards

    Basic Tools
    • FAN Speed: Shows current FAN speed
    • PS3 Temperature: Shows current CPU and RSX temperature
    • Show IDPS: Shows current IDPS
    • Show PSID: Shows current PSID
    • Toggle Coldboot: Toggles between custom/original coldboot.raf
    • Toggle System Version: Toggles between custom/original system version in "System Information"

    Basic Tools > xRegistry Tools

    • Backup xRegistry.sys: Creates a backup of xRegistry.sys to /dev_usb or /dev_hdd0
    • Button Assignment: Switches O and X buttons

    Cobra Tools
    • Cobra Information: Shows current Cobra information
    • Check Syscall 8: Checks Cobra's Syscall 8 status
    • Create Syscalls: Create syscalls 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15 and 35
    • Allow Restore Syscalls: Allows restoring syscalls through "System Update"
    • Skip license creation: Skips overwriting license file (RIF) if it already exists
    • Toggle Cobra Version: Toggles between release and debug versions (reboot is required)
    • Toggle Cobra: Enables or disables Cobra (reboot is required)

    Cobra Tools > FAN Tools
    • Control FAN Mode: DISABLED: Disables Cobra's Control FAN
    • Control FAN Mode: SYSCON: Allows the PS3's SYSCON to control FAN speed
    • Control FAN Mode: MAX: Set Cobra FAN speed to 0xFF

    Cobra Tools > QA Tools
    • Check QA Flags: Check if QA flags are enabled or disabled
    • Enable QA Flags: Enables QA Flags
    • Disable QA Flags: Disables QA Flags

    Cobra Tools > FAN Tools > Dynamic FAN Control
    • Maximum temperature: 60°C: Sets the fan speed dynamically to keep the system at a maximum temperature of 60°C
    • Maximum Temperature: 65°C: Sets the fan speed dynamically to keep the system at a maximum temperature of 65°C
    • Maximum Temperature: 70°C: Sets the fan speed dynamically to keep the system at a maximum temperature of 70°C
    • Maximum Temperature: 75°C: Sets the fan speed dynamically to keep the system at a maximum temperature of 75°C

    WARNING: Some PS3 cannot reach/stay some option temperatures, use with caution

    Cobra Tools > FAN Tools > Manual Speed
    • Manual Speed: 40%: Sets the fan speed statically at 40% (0x67)
    • Manual Speed: 45%: Sets the fan speed statically at 45% (0x75)
    • Manual Speed: 50%: Sets the fan speed statically at 50% (0x80)
    • Manual Speed: 55%: Sets the fan speed statically at 55% (0x8E)
    • Manual Speed: 60%: Sets the fan speed statically at 60% (0x9B)
    • Manual Speed: 65%: Sets the fan speed statically at 65% (0xA8)
    • Manual Speed: 70%: Sets the fan speed statically at 70% (0xB5)
    • Manual Speed: 75%: Sets the fan speed statically at 75% (0xC0)
    • Manual Speed: 80%: Sets the fan speed statically at 80% (0xCE)
    • Manual Speed: 85%: Sets the fan speed statically at 85% (0xDA)
    • Manual Speed: 90%: Sets the fan speed statically at 90% (0xE7)
    • Manual Speed: 95%: Sets the fan speed statically at 95% (0xF4)

    WARNING: The chosen speed will be static, it will not be changed at any time automatically

    Cobra Tools > FAN Tools > PS2 FAN

    • PS2 Fan Mode: DISABLED: Disables Control FAN on PS2 game
    • PS2 Fan Mode: SYSCON: Allows the PS3's SYSCON to control FAN speed on PS2 game
    • PS2 Fan Mode: 40%: Sets FAN speed to 0x66 on PS2 game
    • PS2 Fan Mode: 50%: Sets FAN speed to 0x80 on PS2 game
    • PS2 Fan Mode: 60%: Sets FAN speed to 0x9A on PS2 game
    • PS2 Fan Mode: 70%: Sets FAN speed to 0xB4 on PS2 game
    • PS2 Fan Mode: 80%: Sets FAN speed to 0xCE on PS2 game
    • PS2 Fan Mode: 90%: Sets FAN speed to 0xE8 on PS2 game

    WARNING: There is no Control FAN in a PS2 game, select with caution

    PSN Tools
    • Disable Syscalls: Disables syscalls and remove history files
    • Show accountID: Shows current user's accountID
    • Create accountID: Creates a fake accountID for current user's in xRegistry
    • Overwrite accountID: Overwrites current user's accountID with a fake one in xRegistry
    • Activate account: Creates act.dat file in the current local account
    • Create license: Creates RIF licenses from RAP files from "x:\exdata"
    • Backup activation file: Creates a backup of act.dat to /dev_usb or /dev_hdd0
    • Disable account: Deletes current user's activation file act.dat permanently
    • Convert savedata: Converts savedata from "/dev_usbXXX/PS3/SAVEDATA" to your own savedata

    Dump Tools
    • View Log: http://localhost/dev_hdd0/tmp/cfw_settings.log (webMAN MOD is required for this function)
    • Clean Log File: Resets /dev_hdd0/tmp/cfw_settings.log file
    • Dump IDPS: Saves IDPS to log file
    • Dump PSID: Saves PSID to log file
    • Dump LV2: Dumps LV2 to /dev_usb or /dev_hdd0/tmp
    • Dump LV1: Dumps LV1 to /dev_usb or /dev_hdd0/tmp
    • Dump ERK: Dumps eid_root_key to /dev_usb or /dev_hdd0/tmp
    • Log KLicense usage: Saves filename and klicensee to log file
    • Log Secure File ID usage: Writes save data name and file ID key to log file
    • Dump Disc Hash Key: Retrieves disc hash key from an ORIGINAL game disc

    Service Tools
    • Display Applicable Version: Displays minimum downgrade version
    • Check File System: Reboots and allows you to check and repair filesystem
    • Rebuild Database: Reboots with Database rebuilding flag set
    • Toggle Recovery Mode: Reboot to Recovery Mode (Not supported on NAND models!)

    Service Tools > Advanced Service Tools
    • RSOD fix: Re-initialize VTRM-Region to attempt to fix RSOD
    • Toggle Factory Service Mode: Enter/Exit Factory Service Mode (DON'T INSTALL CFW ON FSM)
    • Remarry Bluray Drive: Requires: Enter to FSM and copy "eid_root_key" to /dev_usb
    • Load LV2 kernel: Loads lv2_kernel.self file from /dev_usb000 or /dev_flash


    Savegames conversion tutorial

    WARNING: This option will overwrite your current savedata in dev_usbXXX, use it with caution

    • Download someone else's savegame for your game of your choice
    • Put the savedata in your pendrive in "X:\PS3\SAVEDATA" (pendrive must be in FAT32)
    • Put in the pendrive in the PS3
    • Select Network Tab > [★ Custom Firmware Tools] > PSN Tools > Convert Savedata
    • Wait until the conversion finishes
    • Once finished, copy your converted savedata throught XMB "Saved Data Utility (PS3)"
    • Launch your game and load your new savedata


    Creation of act.dat tutorial

    WARNING: The accountID is linked to savedata and trophies, so, if your current user already have a valid accountID and you overwrite it, you will be unable to use your trophies and savedata on that account until you restore the original accountID in xRegistry.sys.


    I recommend to use an empty account without trophies and savedata or an account without accountID.


    To create a fake act.dat, Cobra 8.3 must be enabled, and your PS3 must have at least one account with a valid accountID and launch a game that requires a RIF/RAP license file.

    Cobra will search a valid accountID in all existing accounts and create act.dat while the game is launched through the XMB. If no accountID is found, act.dat will not be created.

    You can create a fake accountID (like reactPSN), to do this go to Network > ★ Custom Firmware Tools > PSN Tools and choose between "Create accountID" or "Overwrite accountID" (Be careful about the last option because if you already have a fake/real accountID it will be overwritten). It is recommended to use these options in an account that does not have an ID. The PS3 will restart if everything went well.

    The tutorial would be the following:
    • Download your purchased PSN game from PS Store
    • Put game RAP file in "X:\exdata" or "/dev_hdd0/exdata"
    • Launch your purchased PSN game
    • Cobra will check if any of your PS3 accounts have accountID
    • Faked act.dat will be created while the game is launching

    If none of your accounts have a valid accountID you will need to create it. To do this log into the local PS3 account where you want to create the accountID. You can see if your current local account has an accountID choosing Network Tab > [★ Custom Firmware Tools] > PSN Tools > Show accountID.

    To create a faked act.dat do the following:
    • Make sure Cobra 8.3 is enabled
    • Select Network Tab > [★ Custom Firmware Tools] > PSN Tools > Create accountID
    • Select Network Tab > [★ Custom Firmware Tools] > PSN Tools > Activate account
    • Launch your purchased PSN game
    • Faked act.dat will be created while the game is launching

    Now you have a faked act.dat and your local account is activated. The act.dat file works for every local account, you only need one file for all accounts.


    Block PSN log in

    This method is developed by @DeViL303, it will only work with Cobra enabled, Cobra will block log in on PSN/SEN while the CFW syscalls are enabled, to enable it again you need to disable CFW syscalls completely (you can do it with webMAN MOD, psnpatch, SEN Enabler, etc…).

    If you want to disable this feature, simply delete /dev_flash/vsh/resource/npsignin_plugin.lck


    Translations


    Final Words

    I hope that the CFW is working fine and without issues for everyone, but if you see any issue, please let me know in my twitter and I will try to fix it as soon as possible: @xXEvilnatXx

    Cobra 8.3 and xai_plugin source code can be found in my Github repository:


    Credits and Acknowledgment

    Credits to Team Rebug, Team Cobra, @mysis, @Joonie, @habib, @aldostools, @haxxxen, @DeViL303, @zecoxao, @3141card, @Berion, @kakaroto, @KW, @naehrwert, @flatz, @Dean, @Rogero, @Estwald and anyone who has contributed to the PS3 scene.

    Thanks to @DeViL303, @Berion, @Brandon Stump, @jcorrea, @nhie07, @NSC-Modz, @LuanTeles, @thejavigames, @raidriar, @xiaoyang, @Zwei, @haxxxen, @RetroFan_90, @SpyroMancer, @patricksouza472, @MrYadro, @CFW-Us3r, @Andrio, @KcrPLo, Nur Rakhmadi Rajab, @Lwiz, @Sheireen, @TheWizWiki and all who helped me testing the CFW 4.88.

    If I forgot someone, I apologize, there are many people in the PS3 scene and you are many people who
    have helped me to test the CFW.



Download: MEGA FOLDER WITH ALL CFW VERSION

Download: CFW EVILNAT 4.88.2 COBRA 8.3 [CEX]
MD5: 3202971E05140F24E52B36D5C443AD35

Download: CFW EVILNAT 4.88.2 COBRA 8.3 [CEX] [noBD]

MD5: 80029DC0FBD238DAF8ED45BCDFD04CD6

Download:CFW EVILNAT 4.88.2 COBRA 8.3 [CEX] [noBT]
MD5: 360569FE808B1815BD05258C8496003F

Download: CFW EVILNAT 4.88.2 COBRA 8.3 [CEX] [noBD] [noBT]
MD5: D8BB1F47B77F1737F974308B935F81B6
 
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I used puad 2.0 to get the coldboot.raf, since I'm playing the wii u atm. just click "unpack," then dev_flash only, and it will extract all the files to dev_flash and not decrypt them. it's unneeded.
 
the coldboot has a footer and a blur image as well, but I knew you didn't want the blur image, and I figured the footer was probably blank based on how the coldboot appears. the footer appears after the header normally, which doesn't happen with evilnat's coldboot.
 
Did someone checked if the disc works as expected?
i don't know. my nephew will be visiting in a few minutes, i am going to ask if he has my disc at home because i can not find it here.

Edit:
yes he has the disc. i will see if can get it here but may be tomarrow.
 
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Bit more info as I transferred RockSmith 2014 over to virgin PS3 with CFW with 4.88 evilnat and wMM xxx.36/23.6. installed. No PSN user connected to account.

First run, hard freeze needing power cycle (I forgot to disable disc insertion autostart :D so after mounting the folder freeze was immediate).

On second loading attempt I enabled PSN access from PSN Patch plugin and started the game. The first thing that happened was game going into update mode, fetched the patch and then started normally after update for game was installed. So I wonder if the main culprit isn't the login to PSN account, but game trying to check for updates.

Once updates were done, game boots normally with dev_hdd0/tmp/wm_res/npsignin_plugin.rco in place.
 
So I wonder if the main culprit isn't the login to PSN account, but game trying to check for updates.
I was just looking into this possibility too. But it seems to make no difference if I manually update WWE14 before launching it.

The issue seems to be when it attempts to install game data but I am only guessing.
 
I was just looking into this possibility too. But it seems to make no difference if I manually update WWE14 before launching it.

The issue seems to be when it attempts to install game data but I am only guessing.

Shame I can't test WWE's myself nor give more testing debug info, but at least for me I know couple of workarounds, although now RockSmith launches, the issue doesn't seem to reappear.
 
The issue seems to be when it attempts to install game data but I am only guessin
yeah maybe...it did complain that the gamadata was corrupt when lauching anytime after i switched cobra on or off. i never turned cobra off before so i didn't know if it was normal or what.
 
I will try install the gamedata on Rebug 4.84 and then update to Evilnat 4.88 and see if it fixes the issue with the ISO.
 
OK, so on Rebug 4.84.2 with Cobra 8.3 the gamedata installed no problem, but then it still had the same issue when back on 4.88. So I'm not sure anymore really.

@Evilnat would you be able to create a Cobra 8.3 payload with debug socat output for your CFW? it might help us track down this issue.
 
OK, so on Rebug 4.84.2 with Cobra 8.3 the gamedata installed no problem, but then it still had the same issue when back on 4.88. So I'm not sure anymore really.

@Evilnat would you be able to create a Cobra 8.3 payload with debug socat output for your CFW? it might help us track down this issue.

Is this something a user could help with without specialised debug setup - if such Cobra were available. As my reserve PS3 is nearly virgin, I could reformat it and repeat the test with modded Cobra?
 
Is this something a user could help with without specialised debug setup - if such Cobra were available. As my reserve PS3 is nearly virgin, I could reformat it and repeat the test with modded Cobra?
Maybe, it just gives debug output of everything that is happening in real time over the network to PC. Sometimes this can help find an issue as it will show an error, or at least show what the last thing done before the freeze was.

So if there is an issue with a specific game it can sometimes help devs like Evilnat to have a log from when the issue occurred.

It looks like this kind of thing.


upload_2021-6-23_23-9-10.png
 
Maybe, it just gives debug output of everything that is happening in real time over the network to PC. Sometimes this can help find an issue as it will show an error, or at least show what the last thing done before the freeze was.

So if there is an issue with a specific game it can sometimes help devs like Evilnat to have a log from when the issue occurred.

It looks like this kind of thing.


View attachment 33943

Special proggy needed or will something like telnet do? Debug output just gets spit out from specific port and there has to be something receiving it, right?
 
I wonder, is there a way to install the game data for the the WWE game without loading the ISO? I've previously looked at the IRD of Resident Evil 5 and it contained a bunch of pkg files which needed to be installed, labelled as game data. I don't think it is the same for all games, but perhaps it would be worth trying to install the data before ever loading the game? Or, at the very least, install the game data with a working CFW and then go to 4.88? Maybe someone has already done this (probably, since I don't think people were erasing their game data when switching back and forth)? Just an idea to test whether there's a problem either installing or reading the game data.

Edit: Or maybe we're now talking about the Rocksmith game? Anyway, one of those two faulty ones.
 
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