How can I overwrite the CFE partition?

[lenovomen]

Hi everyone,

I have an ASUS TUF-AX3000 V2 router (RT-AX58U V2 hardware) running GnuTon firmware (3006.102.3_1-gnuton1). I want to completely wipe and rewrite the router to make it like it just came out of the factory, including the CFE and all partitions (NVRAM, JFFS, linux) to ensure no malware (e.g., Cyclops Blink) remains. I understand that a standard factory reset and TFTP only partially wipe, leaving the partition table and CFE intact. Is there a way to update the CFE or rewrite the partition table at home? I’ve already tried factory reset and JFFS formatting, but I’m concerned about deeper-level backdoors persisting. If JTAG/serial console is needed, what tools do you recommend? Or is recovery mode with stock ASUS firmware reinstall enough? Any experiences, step-by-step guides, or warnings would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Tech9]

You have asked the same question >1 year ago. The answer is still the same.

Asus tuf 3000v2 bootloader reinstallation

Hi, How can I completely reinstall the firmware system of my Asus router including the bootloader? Where can I find instructions? Suppose someone buys a second hand Asus router. That is why I ask. How can I overwrite the tuf 3000v2 bootloader with the factory one? Where can I download it...

www.snbforums.com

 

[lenovomen]

You have asked the same question >1 year ago. The answer is still the same.

Asus tuf 3000v2 bootloader reinstallation

Hi, How can I completely reinstall the firmware system of my Asus router including the bootloader? Where can I find instructions? Suppose someone buys a second hand Asus router. That is why I ask. How can I overwrite the tuf 3000v2 bootloader with the factory one? Where can I download it...

www.snbforums.com

Yes, I know, but I don’t have another router with a CFE that is definitely unmodified. Could someone upload one? Or it would be best if Merlin made these available to everyone.

 

[bennor]

Yes, I know, but I don’t have another router with a CFE that is definitely unmodified. Could someone upload one? Or it would be best if Merlin made these available to everyone.

Guess I'll be the one to ask the question. Why do you feel that @RMerlin should make a router's CFE, particularly a router that Asus-Merlin doesn't support, available to everyone?

 

[Tech9]

Yes, I know, but I don’t have another router

You don't need another router and you don't have to touch the bootloader unless you want to kill the router you have.