EMMap: A Systematic Framework for Spatial EMFI Mapping and Fault Classification on Microcontrollers

TL;DR

This paper introduces EMMap, a systematic, platform-agnostic framework for spatial EMFI mapping and fault classification on microcontrollers, enabling better understanding of fault behaviors and susceptibility across architectures.

Contribution

It presents a novel, reproducible methodology for spatial EMFI analysis and fault classification applicable to various microcontrollers, filling a gap in systematic EMFI research.

Findings

Demonstrated the framework on three microcontrollers, including ESP32 and ChipWhisper boards.

Showed how spatial probe position influences fault outcomes.

Provided a reproducible workflow for EMFI susceptibility analysis.

Abstract

Electromagnetic Fault Injection (EMFI) is a powerful technique for inducing bit flips and instruction-level perturbations on microcontrollers, yet existing literature lacks a unified methodology for systematically mapping spatial sensitivity and classifying resulting fault behaviors. Building on insights from O'Flynn and Kuhnapfel et al., we introduce a platform-agnostic framework for Spatial EMFI Mapping and Fault Classification, aimed at understanding how spatial probe position influences fault outcomes. We present pilot experiments on three representative microcontroller targets including the Xtensa LX6 (ESP32) and two ChipWhisper boards not as definitive evaluations, but as illustrative demonstrations of how the proposed methodology can be applied in practice. These preliminary observations motivate a generalized and reproducible workflow that researchers can adopt when analyzing EMFI susceptibility across diverse embedded architectures.