Finding the Needle in the Hardware Haystack - Identifying and Exploiting Vulnerabilities

Overview

Explore hardware reverse engineering for embedded systems security. Learn techniques to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and develop a structured testing process for comprehensive device security analysis.

Syllabus

• Introduction to Hardware Reverse Engineering
Overview of embedded systems
Key concepts in hardware security
Common challenges and opportunities in reverse engineering
• Fundamentals of Embedded Systems
Architecture and components of embedded systems
Understanding firmware and software interactions
Communication protocols and interfaces
• Tools and Techniques for Hardware Reverse Engineering
Overview of hardware analysis tools
Soldering and desoldering techniques
Logic analyzers and oscilloscopes
Introduction to JTAG and debugging interfaces
• Identifying Hardware Vulnerabilities
Techniques for probing and mapping circuitry
Reverse engineering printed circuit boards (PCBs)
Analyzing firmware for vulnerabilities
Exploiting microcontroller flaws
• Risk Assessment and Threat Modeling
Conducting comprehensive risk assessments
Developing threat models for embedded systems
Prioritizing vulnerabilities for mitigation
• Structured Testing Methodology
Building a consistent security testing process
Developing test cases for hardware vulnerabilities
Integrating automated testing tools
• Exploiting Vulnerabilities
Techniques for hardware exploitation
Bypassing hardware security measures
Case studies and real-world examples
• Developing Countermeasures
Designing secure hardware architectures
Implementing cryptographic protections
Best practices for secure firmware development
• Hands-On Lab Sessions
Practical exercises in hardware disassembly
Firmware extraction and analysis
Exploitation scenarios and countermeasure implementation
• Capstone Project
Conduct a comprehensive security analysis of a chosen device
Present findings and propose mitigation strategies
• Closing Remarks and Future Directions
Emerging trends in hardware security
Ethical considerations and professional responsibilities
Resources for continued learning and research in hardware security

Subjects

Conference Talks