Attacking Hardware Systems Using Resonance and the Laws of Physics

Explore how resonant frequencies can be exploited to attack hardware systems in this 46-minute Black Hat conference talk. Delve into the research of Ivan Reedman as he demonstrates how electronic sensors, programmable logic, and other devices can be subverted by targeting their resonant frequencies. Learn about the vulnerabilities in supposedly secure systems and the implications for hardware security. Examine case studies, design assumptions, and manufacturing processes that contribute to these vulnerabilities. Discover the role of software hacking, failsafe logic, and mixed signal logic in hardware attacks. Analyze voltage delta time, analog switches, and charge pumps through scope traces. Gain insights into configuration tools, privacy modes, and the theories behind these attacks. Conclude with a summary of hardware state machines and essential considerations for improving hardware security.