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MSP430FR5xxx - BSL - Password

Newton
Expert 1125 points

Based on SLAU319, it looks like the password is made from the interrupt vectors. This implies that a developer does not know what the password is until he/she has completed the interrupt related code. Is that correct?

 

If that is true, then that means one could not unlock the BSL unless they had either the password, or access to the firmware/binary image to determine the password. Can some one  please confirm?

 Thx

  • 0
    Guru 227245 points

    Newton said:
    Is that correct?

    Not quite.

    First, he will only know the password after linking. As it may change with every link procedure.
    But then, the password is derived from the currently installed firmware, not the firmware he wants to install. So he needs to know the interrutp table of the current formware, or, in other words, if one doesn't know the firmware on teh device, one doesn't know the password adn therefore cannot steal the installed firmware.

    However, even without knowing the password you can do a mass erase (this function is not password protected), after which the firmware (and its interrupt vectors) is gone and the password (for next install) is default all-0xff.

    You may ask what is the purpose of unlockign the BSL if you need to know the installed firmware already? Well, it allows you to access the additional data in info memory, read it or change it (or clone it). Without the password, all you can do is to do a mass erase and everything is gone, including serial numbers, keys etc.
    Which isn't a problem for someone who has a firmware and wants to install it, but is a problem for everyone who doesn't have the firmware and wants to copy it on clone devices.

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