Remote Code Execution on a Synth via MIDI Shellcode: Bad Apple on an LCD

2025-01-05

A hacker achieved remote code execution on a Yamaha PSR-E433 synthesizer using its MIDI interface. Through reverse engineering, they created a shell accessible via MIDI SysEx messages. This shell allowed them to manipulate the synth's memory, ultimately resulting in a Bad Apple video playing on its LCD screen. The project involved intricate JTAG debugging, firmware analysis, ARM assembly programming, and clever memory manipulation techniques. This impressive feat showcases a deep understanding of embedded systems reverse engineering.

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