Today I learned about unrecoverable MCU key slots on the ColdCard.
Apparently you have a limited number of destructive actions (such as clearing the seed words or messing around with trick PINs) and after that, it's BRICKED (I guess?)
So, if you use the ColdCard as an ephemeral signing device (like a SeedSigner or a Jade in Stateless Mode, except you manually wipe the device), you are limited to the number of times you can enter a new seed before you turn the device into a potato.
Don't tell me you knew about this! You didn't!
Replies (21)
I did, and I think about the number all the time because I don't recall what the number is. I bet I find out someday.
It's 256. But I don't know if all actions consume one slot or if some actions are chunkier than others.
You can check in the Danger Zone menu
Good to know. Do you know if there is a way to check the supply?
What the fuck man
this problem does not exist on the device I am building and it is actually secure as well
Danger Zone
Cool thanks
Since we’re on the coldcard topic. If you use the coldcard as hardware wallet and your hardware suddenly stops working, is there a way to back up the information on the coldcard so you van back it up on another coldcard? Or what do you do to have a backup in case of hardware failure?
Big WTF moment for me. I've helped several people learn how to use this device (not my recommendation; it's what they wanted), and I've burned thrpugh quote a few of these slots, learning and showing all the features.
If I actually intended use a ColdCard, I'd be slightly pissed. Why does clearing the secure element have anything to do with the finite consumable resources on the MCU?
You can do a full backup of the seeds, secure notes and setting with a (functioning ColdCard using the Advanced/Tools -> Backup function
similar types of anti consumer shit pushed me to make my own device, but wtf…
also what are these “permanent” key slots lol, flash is reprogrammable like 10k+ times
@ODELL and
@Marty Bent endorse this product on RHR.... Comment?
Cool! Thanks!
That this is the biggest most over priced piece of horse shit. WTF!!
Stainless steel washers. Fuck electronics.
256
I do not think loading temporary seeds uses slots.
You are correct. It doesnt use the SE or slots. Interestingly, they still give you the option of exporting the passphrase for temp seeds to microSD. But it doesnt work. Wonder if that's a bug.
I have so many hardware signers it's embarrassing.
And I do own a Q, which is a magnificent device.
The slots thing would get deeply under my skin if it would get used up by temporary seeds. Thus, ephemeral seeds, as well, which don't have to be saved to the seed vault.
I don't think the possibility of me using up all 256 slots is very high the way that I use the Q.
But it certainly begs the question of why. I haven't found a reasonable explanation yet. And if the why is literally planef obsolescence, that would be extraordinarily uncool.
Advanced SD card backup
👍👍👍
