From Zero to Hardware Hacking Hero: The 1337 Offensive Hardware Hacking Training at RomHack Camp 2026 + Video

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Introduction:

The Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems have permeated every facet of modern life, from industrial control systems (ICS) and smart homes to medical devices and automotive technology. Yet, this pervasive connectivity has created a massive attack surface that traditional software security audits often overlook, leaving critical hardware vulnerabilities exposed. The 1337 Offensive Hardware Hacking Training, led by industry veteran Luca Bongiorni at RomHack Camp 2026, addresses this critical skills gap by offering a comprehensive, hands-on deep dive into the art and science of hardware exploitation.

Learning Objectives:

  • Master the essential Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for conducting professional hardware security audits on IoT and embedded devices.
  • Develop proficiency in reverse engineering printed circuit boards (PCBs), identifying debug interfaces (UART, JTAG, SPI, I2C, SWD), and dumping firmware from NAND/eMMC memories.
  • Acquire hands-on skills in static and dynamic firmware analysis, exploitation techniques, and practical threat modeling for securing IoT products.

You Should Know:

  1. Decoding the Hardware Attack Surface: Identifying Debug Interfaces

The first step in any hardware hacking engagement is understanding the target device’s architecture and identifying its attack surfaces. The most common entry points are debugging and programming interfaces left on the PCB by manufacturers for development and testing. These interfaces—UART, JTAG, SPI, I2C, and SWD—can provide attackers with direct, low-level access to the device’s processor and memory.

  • UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter): Often provides a serial console (like a Linux terminal) that can reveal boot logs, error messages, and sometimes even a root shell if authentication is weak or misconfigured.
  • JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) & SWD (Serial Wire Debug): These are powerful debugging interfaces that allow for full control over the CPU. They enable attackers to halt execution, read and write memory, set breakpoints, and even flash new firmware.
  • SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) & I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit): These are communication buses used to connect microcontrollers with peripheral chips like sensors, EEPROMs, and flash memory. Intercepting or manipulating data on these buses can reveal sensitive information or lead to privilege escalation.

Step‑by‑step guide to locating and identifying debug interfaces:

  1. Visual Inspection: Start by carefully examining the PCB. Look for groups of through-holes or surface-mount pads that are not connected to any obvious component. They are often unpopulated and labeled with acronyms like TX, RX, GND, VCC, TCK, TMS, TDI, TDO.
  2. Multimeter Continuity Test: Use a multimeter in continuity mode to probe the identified pads. Confirm which pads are connected to ground (GND) and which have a stable voltage (VCC). This helps rule out power pins and narrows down the signal pins.
  3. Logic Analyzer Probing: Connect a logic analyzer to the suspected signal pins. When the device powers on, you can observe the data being transmitted. UART will show asynchronous serial data, while SPI and I2C will show distinct clock and data line patterns.
  4. Protocol Decoding: Use a logic analyzer’s software (like PulseView or Saleae Logic) to decode the captured signals. For UART, you’ll need to guess the baud rate (common ones are 9600, 115200, 57600). For SPI/I2C, the analyzer will decode the data packets, revealing memory contents or commands being sent to peripherals.
  5. Voltage Level Shifting: Remember that different devices operate at different voltage levels (1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, 5V). Using a tool like the WHID’s BRUSCHETTA board, which is an all-in-one debugger and programmer, can safely interface with targets at various voltages and support multiple protocols.

2. Firmware Extraction: Dumping NAND/eMMC Memories

Once you have identified the debug interfaces or the memory chip itself, the next objective is to extract the device’s firmware. The firmware contains the device’s operating system, applications, and configuration data—a goldmine for vulnerability research. The training covers techniques for dumping from NAND, eMMC, and NOR flash memories.

  • NAND Flash: Common in higher-capacity storage, NAND flash requires a controller to manage bad blocks and wear leveling. Dumping often involves using a hardware programmer that speaks the NAND protocol.
  • eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard): An integrated package containing both flash memory and a controller. It appears as an SD/MMC device to the host processor. Dumping eMMC can sometimes be done by connecting to its pins (CLK, CMD, DAT0) and issuing MMC commands.
  • NOR Flash: Often used for boot code (BIOS/UEFI) due to its execute-in-place (XIP) capability. It is typically dumped using a dedicated SPI flash programmer.

Step‑by‑step guide to dumping an SPI NOR flash chip using a flash programmer:

  1. Identify the Flash Chip: Locate the flash memory chip on the PCB. Note its part number (e.g., Winbond W25Q64JV). Look up its datasheet to find its pinout and operating voltage.
  2. Connect the Programmer: Use a tool like a Bus Pirate, FT2232H-based board (like the WHID NANDo-board), or a dedicated SPI flash programmer. Carefully connect the programmer’s pins (CS, MOSI, MISO, CLK, GND, VCC) to the corresponding pins on the flash chip. This often requires soldering wires or using a test clip.
  3. Read the Flash: Use software like `flashrom` on Linux or the programmer’s proprietary software to read the contents of the flash chip. 
    Example command using flashrom on Linux
sudo flashrom -p programmer_name -r firmware_dump.bin

Replace `programmer_name` with your specific programmer (e.g., `buspirates`).

  1. Verify the Dump: Read the flash a second time and compare the two dumps using `diff` or `cmp` to ensure a clean read. 
    cmp firmware_dump1.bin firmware_dump2.bin
  2. Analyze the Firmware: Use tools like binwalk, strings, and a disassembler (like Ghidra or IDA Pro) to analyze the extracted binary. Look for file systems (squashfs, jffs2), compressed kernels, and hardcoded credentials. 
    binwalk -e firmware_dump.bin

3. Firmware Analysis: Static and Dynamic Techniques

Extracting the firmware is only half the battle. The real work lies in analyzing it to find vulnerabilities. The training covers both static analysis (examining the code without executing it) and dynamic analysis (executing the code in a controlled environment).

  • Static Analysis: This involves using tools like `binwalk` to extract file systems and `Ghidra` or `IDA Pro` to disassemble the binary code. You are looking for hardcoded credentials, backdoors, buffer overflows, command injection points, and insecure cryptographic implementations.
  • Dynamic Analysis: This involves emulating the firmware using tools like QEMU (which can emulate MIPS, ARM, and other architectures) to run the code and observe its behavior. This allows you to fuzz network services or interact with the application logic in a safe, sandboxed environment.

Step‑by‑step guide to basic static analysis with Ghidra:

  1. Load the Firmware: Open Ghidra and create a new project. Import the extracted binary file (e.g., the kernel or a specific executable).
  2. Auto-Analyze: Run Ghidra’s auto-analysis tool. This will identify functions, data, and control flow. It’s not perfect but provides a great starting point.
  3. Search for Strings: Use the “Search > For Strings…” feature. Look for interesting strings like “password”, “admin”, “login”, “key”, “token”, “secret”. This can quickly highlight potential hardcoded credentials or sensitive endpoints.
  4. Follow the Logic: Start from the `entry` function or from a function you’ve identified from string references (e.g., the function that handles authentication). Analyze the disassembly and decompiled C code to understand the logic.
  5. Identify Vulnerabilities: Look for unsafe functions like strcpy, sprintf, gets, and system(). Trace the data flow to see if user-controlled input can reach these functions without proper sanitization.

  6. The WHID Hacking Kit and Certified Hardware Hacker (CH2) Certification

A unique aspect of this training is the inclusion of the WHID’s Hacking Kit and materials for participants to take home. This kit, valued at €300, contains the essential tools needed to continue hardware hacking practice after the course. The WHID ecosystem includes a range of open-hardware boards designed to abstract the difficult parts of hardware hacking.

Furthermore, attendees receive a free exam voucher for the Certified Hardware Hacker (CH2) certification. This is a live, 45–60-minute video call exam conducted by the course creator himself, testing practical knowledge of the training material. The certification is non-expiring and has no renewal fees, making it a valuable credential for security professionals looking to validate their hardware hacking skills.

Step‑by‑step guide to preparing for the CH2 certification exam:

  1. Review the Material: Thoroughly review the 200+ page printed workbook and the 350+ slides provided during the training.
  2. Complete the Labs: The course includes over 40 practical lab exercises. Do not just watch the instructor; actively perform each lab. The exam will test your hands-on ability, not just theoretical knowledge.
  3. Practice with the Kit: Use the WHID Hacking Kit to practice the techniques learned. Experiment with different protocols (UART, JTAG, SPI, I2C) on various target devices.
  4. Simulate the Exam: The exam is a video call. Have your hardware setup ready. Be prepared to explain your thought process and demonstrate techniques live.
  5. Understand the Concepts: Be ready to discuss threat modeling for IoT products, the basics of electronics, and the nuances of MIPS/ARM architectures.

5. Advanced Techniques: Fault Injection and Exotic Exploitation

Beyond the basics, the training also delves into advanced topics like Fault Injection Attacks and Exotic Exploitation TTPs. Fault injection involves intentionally introducing glitches into the system’s operation (e.g., voltage glitching, clock glitching, electromagnetic fault injection) to cause the processor to skip instructions or execute unintended code, often bypassing security checks.

  • Voltage Glitching: Temporarily dropping or spiking the power supply voltage to a chip can cause it to misbehave.
  • Clock Glitching: Manipulating the clock signal can cause the processor to execute an instruction incorrectly.
  • Electromagnetic Fault Injection (EMFI): Using an electromagnetic pulse to induce faults in the chip’s operation.

Step‑by‑step guide to conceptualizing a voltage glitching attack:

  1. Identify the Target: Determine the component (e.g., a microcontroller) that performs a security-critical check (e.g., comparing a PIN or password).
  2. Isolate the Power Rail: Identify the power (VCC) pin of the target microcontroller on the PCB.
  3. Prepare the Glitching Setup: Connect a glitching device (like the ChipWhisperer) between the power supply and the VCC pin of the target.
  4. Monitor the Operation: Use a logic analyzer to monitor the target’s pins (e.g., UART for debug output) to observe its behavior.
  5. Glitch and Observe: Trigger the glitch at a specific point in the execution (e.g., just before the comparison instruction). Vary the glitch timing and intensity until the security check is bypassed (e.g., a “Login Failed” message becomes “Login Successful”).

6. Building a Career in Hardware Security

The skills taught in this training are in high demand. With the proliferation of IoT and embedded devices, the need for security professionals who can assess and secure hardware is growing exponentially. This course is designed for security researchers, penetration testers, and AppSec professionals who want to expand their skill set into this critical domain. It bridges the gap between traditional cybersecurity and the physical world of electronics, providing a unique and highly sought-after expertise.

What Undercode Say:

  • Key Takeaway 1: The 1337 Offensive Hardware Hacking Training at RomHack Camp 2026 is a unique, 4-day intensive program that provides a zero-to-hero journey in hardware and embedded security. It is specifically designed to fill the skills gap in the InfoSec community regarding IoT and IIoT security.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Participants not only gain hands-on experience with essential TTPs like PCB reverse engineering and firmware analysis but also receive a valuable hacking kit and a voucher for the prestigious Certified Hardware Hacker (CH2) certification, adding a tangible credential to their skillset.

Analysis: This training represents a critical step in professionalizing the field of hardware hacking. The inclusion of a certification exam with no renewal fees is a significant value proposition, ensuring the credential remains relevant without burdening the holder. Luca Bongiorni’s extensive experience as a speaker at top conferences like BlackHat and DEFCON adds significant credibility to the program. The hands-on, lab-intensive format is essential for mastering hardware hacking, as it requires practical dexterity and problem-solving skills that cannot be learned from books alone. The focus on both offensive techniques (like fault injection) and defensive measures (threat modeling) provides a well-rounded education.

Prediction:

  • +1 The Certified Hardware Hacker (CH2) certification is poised to become a benchmark for hardware security professionals, similar to what the OSCP is for penetration testing. Its non-expiring and no-renewal-fee model will make it highly attractive.
  • +1 As IoT devices continue to proliferate in critical infrastructure and consumer markets, the demand for trained hardware hackers will surge. This training will directly contribute to a new generation of security researchers capable of securing the physical world.
  • -1 The specialized nature of hardware hacking means that the pool of qualified professionals will remain small for the foreseeable future. This scarcity could lead to a significant skills gap in critical sectors like healthcare and industrial control systems, making them more vulnerable to sophisticated physical and cyber attacks.
  • -1 The high cost of entry (€4,000) and the requirement for existing technical knowledge (Linux, pentesting) may limit accessibility, potentially creating an elite class of hardware security experts and widening the gap between generalist and specialist security practitioners.

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