USB Interface For Parallel LCDs

Pontus Frönder has put together a really simple USB interface for any LCD that uses the HD44780 controller. He used a USB chip from FTDI that creates a virtual COM port on the host computer. This is connected to an Atmel ATtiny2313 which controls the LCD. The AVR has two PWM outputs that are used to control the backlight and contrast. If the current draw of the backlight is low enough it can be driven directly from the USB and since it looks like a standard serial display you can talk to it using programs like LCD Smartie.

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Shmoocon 2006: VoIP WiFi Phone Security Analysis

shmoocon

Shawn Merdinger gave a presentation on his personal research project covering the security of VoIP WiFi phones. For his initial investigation he is employing a “level one” methodology. These would be attacks from a low to medium skilled hacker, a hacker’s “first look” at the device: looking for open ports, finding developer left-overs, and misusing features. One thing that was common across all phones is how easily they succumb to DOS attacks. He talked about the issues with several specific phones. Many left open port 17185, which is the VxWorks database debug port. The favorite was the Clipcomm CPW-100E which provides unauthenticated access to debugging accounts letting you read call logs and even place calls, turning it into a remote listening device. You can hear Shawn talk about his project on Blue Box Podcast #13. Blue Box also has a copy of Shawn’s detailed slides. Here’s a list of the new phone security threats released a Shmoocon.

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