Creating an open source WiFi software stack for the ESP32
Frostie314159 and Jasper Devreker discuss reverse engineering the WiFi peripheral of the ESP32 to build an open source WiFi stack.
During the 38c3, there are probably multiple thousands of ESP32s in the CCH, all of which run a closed source WiFi stack. And while that stack works, it would be nicer to have an open source stack, which would grant the ability to modify and audit the software, which carries potentially sensitive data.
So they set to work, reverse engineering the proprietary stack and building a new open source one. They soon discovered just how versatile the ESP32 can be, both as a tool for research and IoT SoC, when its capabilities are fully unlocked. This includes using it as a pentesting tool, a B.A.T.M.A.N. mesh router or an AirDrop client.
You’ll learn something about WiFi, the ESP32, reverse engineering in general and how to approach such a project.
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