The Last Resort: Debugging Embedded Systems with Unconventional Methods

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A debugger is always a valuable tool when searching for vulnerabilities, particularly in embedded systems where multiple peripherals may be involved. Most targets support either well-standardized debug protocols such as JTAG or SWD, or rely on proprietary alternatives. These debug ports are often locked to prevent unauthorized access. When locked, depending on the chip, it may still be possible to reactivate them by exploiting a bug. In rare cases where this is not possible, direct modification of the firmware may be an option. In such scenarios, an on-chip debugger can be implemented within the firmware itself. While potentially unstable, this type of debugger can be highly useful for firmware analysis and exploit development.

Creation date: July 1, 2025
Speakers: Vincent Lopes
License: CC BY-SA v4
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