Intro to hardware security: UART access and SPI firmware extraction

This is an introduction to hardware security for beginners. I will show you how to connect to the Linux terminal of a TP-Link wireless router using UART, and also how to dump its firmware using a SPI programmer. My aim has been to use the most affordable and accessible tools, so everyone can start without breaking the bank.

As promised in the video, here’s the list of tools that I used or mentioned:

For the UART you can use any USB-UART adapter (sometimes called USB to TTL). I used an adapter based on PL2303, but FT232 is more common (the one with the 3.3/5v switch was based on FT232)

If you need more guides, check these out:

I had to cut some corners to prepare a short and easy to understand video. For example I skipped the part on detecting the UART pins on the boards using an oscilloscope or logic analyzer.

[bradkaral]

Very well done. Clearly explained, step-by-step.

[hypnos]

Great video. This is a process that I’ve never done myself, and I always wondered what it’s like. The explanation of the required tools (and why they’re needed) is really good as well.

[nikolatesla]

just as a suggestion: first introduce the devices in video and mention them by typing their name beside them in the first scene of video, i enjoyed it ThanX

[proyas]

loved your video. I watched the whole video. Funny thing is i actually had bought a usb to serial adapter a while ago. I had no idea what to do with. Now I know what kind of site quiz I can go on. 😁

[TxMxMxMxM]

Wonderful video. Hopefully you will have more of this.
Cheers mate

[vediam]

Merhaba, izlediğim en faydalı video bu oldu diyebilirim. Detaylı ve dolu dolu içerikle hazırladığınız bu video için Allah sizden razı olsun. Çok çok çok sağolun, elinize sağlık.

[Lin-yoog]

So grateful, it's a good tutoring video with so much detailed explanation.

[soroush]

Thx Mahdi jaan. Would u please upload more videos like this? Amazing bro.

[anantoslab]

Need more details video about this topic. You are great ❤. Love from Bangladesh.

[stevecross]

From the UK. Hi
Mehdi good introduction I need to go over the video again but it's a good start!!

[bobmcbob]

13:29 "3: System Boot system code via Flash" - this is option 3 in the uboot boot menu. It is possible to send a different option via serial keyboard input - like boot to root shell. But this may not be always possible. But in this case, you get to a shell from the get-go.

[AbhishekMishra-bqox]

Plz make more thank u for making this type video

[brentself]

Great information in this video. Louder audio would be great, as I struggled to hear everything when the volume was set to maximum value.

[abdullahnadeem]

wow, this is the exact router I have. I'm actually surprised it works so well for such a cheap price

[parsbitex]

it was so good, grateful for this tutorial

[oulachoulach]

BROTHER, YOU ARE THE BEST!!! You oooh really helped me!! THANK YOU VERY

[Eptapus]

It would be nice to have a video where you edit the firmware and you flash it back to the device!

[squirre]

Thank you very much😘. Looking forward to more practice hank-on work video.

[qzorn]

Gee, this is very interesting and great way for troubleshooting a lot devices... thanks...:)

[tamiriiiii]

using UART access, if the device have telnet, but disabled, can we enable it !