# Security Updates

> Secure boot and firmware update workflows for Zephyr RTOS. Covers MCUboot integration, production image signing, DFU protocols (MCUmgr), fail-safe rollback mechanisms, and mbedTLS crypto basics. Trigger when implementing over-the-air (OTA) updates, securing the boot process, or managing cryptographic keys.

- Skill: `majiayu000/security-updates` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add majiayu000/security-updates`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/security-updates/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Security
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/security-updates

---


# Zephyr Security & Updates

Build production-ready, secure embedded systems using Zephyr's modular security stack and MCUboot bootloader.

## Core Workflows

### 1. MCUboot Integration
Set up the secure bootloader and define fail-safe flash partitions.
- **Reference**: **[mcuboot_integration.md](references/mcuboot_integration.md)**
- **Key Tools**: `CONFIG_BOOTLOADER_MCUBOOT`, `fixed-partitions`, Devicetree.

### 2. Image Signing
Ensure firmware integrity with production-grade digital signatures.
- **Reference**: **[image_signing.md](references/image_signing.md)**
- **Key Tools**: `imgtool.py`, ECDSA-P256, RSA.

### 3. DFU Protocols
Transport updates securely using MCUmgr or cloud-based OTA.
- **Reference**: **[dfu_protocols.md](references/dfu_protocols.md)**
- **Key Tools**: `mcumgr`, Golioth OTA, SMP transport.

### 4. Rollback Protection
Implement atomic swaps and image confirmation to prevent bricking devices.
- **Reference**: **[rollback_protection.md](references/rollback_protection.md)**
- **Key Tools**: `boot_write_img_confirmed()`, `mcumgr image test`.

### 5. Crypto Basics
Implement secure storage and cryptographic operations using mbedTLS.
- **Reference**: **[crypto_basics.md](references/crypto_basics.md)**
- **Key Tools**: `CONFIG_MBEDTLS`, TF-M, secure storage.

## Quick Start (Kconfig for Secure Boot)
```kconfig
# Enable MCUboot support in application
CONFIG_BOOTLOADER_MCUBOOT=y
```
```bash
# Build with MCUboot using Sysbuild
west build -b nucleo_f401re --sysbuild samples/basic/blinky
```

## Professional Patterns (Security-First)
- **Production Keys**: Never use default MCUboot keys. Provision unique keys during manufacturing.
- **Heartbeat Confirmation**: Only confirm a new image after the application has successfully connected to its cloud backend.
- **Version Integrity**: Enable version monotonicity to prevent accidental or malicious firmware downgrades.

## Automation Tools
- **[mcuboot_version_guard.py](scripts/mcuboot_version_guard.py)**: Enforce monotonic semantic version progression in update pipelines.

## Examples & Templates
- **[mcuboot_prj_fragment.conf](assets/mcuboot_prj_fragment.conf)**: Starter secure-boot + image-management config fragment.

## Validation Checklist
- [ ] Signed image verifies at boot and unsigned/tampered image is rejected.
- [ ] DFU flow completes end-to-end and boots into the new slot.
- [ ] Rollback behavior triggers correctly when image confirmation is withheld.
- [ ] Key handling and version policy prevent downgrade and test-key usage in production configs.

## Resources

- **[References](references/)**:
  - `mcuboot_integration.md`: Partition layouts and setup.
  - `image_signing.md`: Key management and `imgtool` usage.
  - `dfu_protocols.md`: MCUmgr commands and cloud OTA.
  - `rollback_protection.md`: Swap mechanisms and confirmation code.
  - `crypto_basics.md`: mbedTLS and secure storage.
- **[Scripts](scripts/)**:
  - `mcuboot_version_guard.py`: Version monotonicity checker for release gates.
- **[Assets](assets/)**:
  - `mcuboot_prj_fragment.conf`: Secure-update config baseline.