The error message "brom disabled by efuse 0x146" is a critical security-related status typically encountered on MediaTek (MTK) chipset devices. It indicates that the BootROM (BROM)
Do not copy-paste eFuse write routines from reference code without verifying each bit’s purpose. Example dangerous call:
if (read_efuse(BROM_DISABLE_ADDR) == 0x146) print("BROM disabled by eFuse 0x146"); while(1); // Hang or jump to infinite loop
A medical IoT device intentionally used 0x146 to permanently lock the BROM after first boot. This was a security feature: if an attacker tried to dump firmware via UART, they would only see the disable message. Field failures required a full board swap.
We will cover:
| SoC Family | Specific Models Reported | Common Context | | ---------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | | A64, H3, H5, H6, V3s, R16, R328 | Single-board computers, IP cameras, eReaders | | Amlogic | S905X, S912, A113X (less common) | TV boxes (when secure boot fuse set) | | Rockchip | RK3328, RK3399 (via FSCK_EFUSE error) | Chromebooks, industrial boards | | Actions Semi | ATM7059, S900 | Low-cost tablets |