this is my favorite hardware hacking tool

The CH341A is A POWERFUL tool for people who want to get into bug hunting.

🔥 SOCIALS 🔥

[Gogeta]

He doesn't mention this in the video, but that CH341 device doesn't always work to read flash chips without desoldering. The problem is that in order to read from the flash chip, you have to power it. The CH341 can power a flash chip, but it can only output a limited amount of current. If the VCC rail connected to the flash chip is directly connected to other components too, it's possible the CH341 won't be able to power all those components, including the flash chip. In these cases, it's often best to just desolder the flash chip.

Alternatively, you could connect a logic analyzer to the DI and DO pins of the flash chip, then power up the device. Use the logic analyzer to record the data stream as the CPU reads the flash contents. You may need to write a small program to convert the recording back into binary data though.

[adrian_spdef]

Be aware of voltages! This device puts 5V on data lines to 3V3 TOE even when supply to TOE is set to 3V3. Look for 3v3 mod for ch341.

[chuckcrizer]

It took me a bit to realize he meant SPI not a special "spy" chip.

[zadintuvas]

I recommend buying CH341a version 1.7 as it has selectable voltage and this is suitable for more chips

[KillianTwew]

IMO, consumers should either:
1. Legally have FULL access to firmware
OR
2. The C-Suite should be held legally liable for security breaches and face legal consequences equal to someone who makes and distributes malware as that's what they sold you.

[OnlyHerculean]

The Youtube algorithm will love these comments about the SPI / SPY topic. Maximum engagement, well played Ed!

[luigidabro]

Can you also rewrite the firmware in rust?

[arizali_]

This is the first time I have encountered someone pronouncing SPI as ‘SPY’. I have only heard ‘S-P-I’ previously. Thank you for the info.

As an embedded software developer, I can say that if someone stores unencrypted firmware on an external flash, you are free to read it.

[linuxguy]

It's funny when people question the "ethics" of pulling the firmware off a device *they* purchased. You own the device, it's your firmware.

[kikihun]

If you buy this, make sure you voltage mod it. Can be used at full 5v and full3.3
Or just buy the pgraded version with green pcb and voltage selector.

[reekt]

I keked every time you pronounced SPI as SPY

[First.nameLastname]

I’m glad your name is no longer low level learning.

[landongreer]

11:20 "with this device", as the spi programmer fades into the green screen. lol.

[theaifam]

I used that to program bios chip on my laptop 🤣 because it broke after an update

[userou-igze]

I _personally_ believe is identical to _I believe_ - just more redundant

[itscharlie]

I actually used one of these for the first time recently! I bricked my Chromebook while flashing the stock firmware after having windows on it 😅. Pretty fun tool to mess around with and see how things work :)

[svenprigann]

Dude, my ears are literally bleeding from him pronouncing SPI as some Cold War Soviet fear

[xssff]

ah yes the spy flash. my favorite type of flash. lol

[skla]

Awesome 👍
Would love to see more hardware hacking videos 😊

[TheDakes]

I actually have one of these lying around, I once bought to fix a broken BIOS. Interesting to see what you can do with them. I had no idea how common these kind of chips where. Or that you could use the flashrom command line tool to interact with it. You always learn something new!