HDMI Firewall (git.cuvoodoo.info)

Article summary

The HDMI firewall is a device that prevents devices from hacking HDMI equipment and vice versa by blocking additional interfaces and only allowing audio and video data transfer. It is based on research presented at the IT security conference SSTIC 2021 and is available on Tindie. The device can be fine-tuned to allow specific features such as CEC or HDCP, and it can also be used to provide custom EDID. The HDMI firewall is designed to protect against potential security threats posed by HDMI devices, including smart TVs and projectors.

Main themes

• HDMI security
• Device hacking
• Firewall protection
• TV detector vans
• RF technology
• Ethernet over HDMI
• Device design and usability

What commenters say

• Some commenters believe that the threat of HDMI hacking is real and that the HDMI firewall is a useful device for protecting against it.
• Others think that the threat is theoretical and that the device is not necessary.
• The security of HDMI devices is a concern due to the complexity of the HDMI protocol and the potential for malicious devices to exploit vulnerabilities.
• There is disagreement about the effectiveness of the HDMI firewall in preventing hacking, with some arguing that it is not foolproof and that physically present attackers could still bypass it.
• The discussion also touches on the topic of TV detector vans and the use of RF technology to detect TV usage, with some commenters arguing that this is a myth and others providing evidence of its existence.
• Some commenters note that while Ethernet over HDMI is not currently a widely used feature, it could potentially be used for malicious purposes in the future.
• The use of dip switches or other methods to enable or disable features on the HDMI firewall is discussed as a potential improvement to the device's design.