# Physical Attacks {% hint style="success" %} Learn & practice AWS Hacking:[**HackTricks Training AWS Red Team Expert (ARTE)**](https://training.hacktricks.xyz/courses/arte)\ Learn & practice GCP Hacking: [**HackTricks Training GCP Red Team Expert (GRTE)**](https://training.hacktricks.xyz/courses/grte)
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{% endhint %} ## BIOS Password Recovery and System Security **Resetting the BIOS** can be achieved in several ways. Most motherboards include a **battery** that, when removed for around **30 minutes**, will reset the BIOS settings, including the password. Alternatively, a **jumper on the motherboard** can be adjusted to reset these settings by connecting specific pins. For situations where hardware adjustments are not possible or practical, **software tools** offer a solution. Running a system from a **Live CD/USB** with distributions like **Kali Linux** provides access to tools like ***killCmos*** and ***CmosPWD***, which can assist in BIOS password recovery. In cases where the BIOS password is unknown, entering it incorrectly **three times** will typically result in an error code. This code can be used on websites like to potentially retrieve a usable password. ### UEFI Security For modern systems using **UEFI** instead of traditional BIOS, the tool **chipsec** can be utilized to analyze and modify UEFI settings, including the disabling of **Secure Boot**. This can be accomplished with the following command: `python chipsec_main.py -module exploits.secure.boot.pk` ### RAM Analysis and Cold Boot Attacks RAM retains data briefly after power is cut, usually for **1 to 2 minutes**. This persistence can be extended to **10 minutes** by applying cold substances, such as liquid nitrogen. During this extended period, a **memory dump** can be created using tools like **dd.exe** and **volatility** for analysis. ### Direct Memory Access (DMA) Attacks **INCEPTION** is a tool designed for **physical memory manipulation** through DMA, compatible with interfaces like **FireWire** and **Thunderbolt**. It allows for bypassing login procedures by patching memory to accept any password. However, it's ineffective against **Windows 10** systems. ### Live CD/USB for System Access Changing system binaries like ***sethc.exe*** or ***Utilman.exe*** with a copy of ***cmd.exe*** can provide a command prompt with system privileges. Tools such as **chntpw** can be used to edit the **SAM** file of a Windows installation, allowing password changes. **Kon-Boot** is a tool that facilitates logging into Windows systems without knowing the password by temporarily modifying the Windows kernel or UEFI. More information can be found at [https://www.raymond.cc](https://www.raymond.cc/blog/login-to-windows-administrator-and-linux-root-account-without-knowing-or-changing-current-password/). ### Handling Windows Security Features #### Boot and Recovery Shortcuts * **Supr**: Access BIOS settings. * **F8**: Enter Recovery mode. * Pressing **Shift** after the Windows banner can bypass autologon. #### BAD USB Devices Devices like **Rubber Ducky** and **Teensyduino** serve as platforms for creating **bad USB** devices, capable of executing predefined payloads when connected to a target computer. #### Volume Shadow Copy Administrator privileges allow for the creation of copies of sensitive files, including the **SAM** file, through PowerShell. ### Bypassing BitLocker Encryption BitLocker encryption can potentially be bypassed if the **recovery password** is found within a memory dump file (**MEMORY.DMP**). Tools like **Elcomsoft Forensic Disk Decryptor** or **Passware Kit Forensic** can be utilized for this purpose. ### Social Engineering for Recovery Key Addition A new BitLocker recovery key can be added through social engineering tactics, convincing a user to execute a command that adds a new recovery key composed of zeros, thereby simplifying the decryption process. {% hint style="success" %} Learn & practice AWS Hacking:[**HackTricks Training AWS Red Team Expert (ARTE)**](https://training.hacktricks.xyz/courses/arte)\ Learn & practice GCP Hacking: [**HackTricks Training GCP Red Team Expert (GRTE)**](https://training.hacktricks.xyz/courses/grte)
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