# Hardware Security

> Use for authorized hardware and embedded interface security research including UART/JTAG discovery, debug pad triage, secure boot overview, and offline firmware extraction support.

- Skill: `netvar1337/hardware-security` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add netvar1337/hardware-security`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/netvar1337/hardware-security/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Product & Planning
- License: MIT
- Author: netvar1337 (https://skillmd.com/u/netvar1337)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/netvar1337/hardware-security

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> Bundled with Unleash skills pack. Upstream: https://github.com/zhaoxuya520/reverse-skill

# Hardware / Embedded Interface Security

## ACTION REQUIRED (execute immediately after reading)

1. `NOW`: confirm **physical access authorization** and device ownership
2. `NOW`: ESD/power safety; read-only probing by default
3. `NEXT`: combine with firmware-pentest for image analysis
4. `ACT`: enclosure and debug interface identification → consoles → extraction

## Applicable Scenarios

- UART / JTAG / SWD debug port discovery
- Boot logs, root shell, boot interruption
- Flash extraction alongside teardown
- Secure boot/encrypted Flash feasibility assessment (non-destructive first)

## Workflow

```text
□ Disassemble the authorized device; photograph and label test points
□ Find GND/VCC/TX/RX with a multimeter; logic levels 1.8/3.3/5V
□ USB-TTL read-only logging; record the baud rate
□ JTAG: enumerate IDCODE; assess whether it is locked
□ Extract the image → hand off to firmware-pentest / ghidra
```

## Toolchain

| Tool | Purpose |
|------|------|
| USB-TTL / logic analyzer | UART |
| J-Link / CMSIS-DAP | Debugging |
| bus pirate / flipper (lab) | Multi-protocol |
| binwalk / flashrom | Extraction |

## References

- `references/debug-interface-triage.md`
- `../firmware-pentest/` `../ot-ics/`

## Routing Context

**Upstream**: MASTER R34  
**MUST NOT**: unauthorized teardown/damaging others' equipment

## Task Completion Self-Check

- [ ] Interface levels and pinout recorded?
- [ ] Image preserved with hashes?
- [ ] Checklist?