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Learning Device Models with Recurrent Neural Networks (arxiv.org)
2 points by godelmachine on May 24, 2018 | hide | past | pdf | discuss on HN

In plain words: A network with memory learns to copy a hardware device by watching its input and output signals, making a software copy that behaves the same. The same setup learned six devices, from simple test circuits to a serial port chip, and matched their outputs.

Abstract

Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are powerful constructs capable of modeling complex systems, up to and including Turing Machines. However, learning such complex models from finite training sets can be difficult. In this paper we empirically show that RNNs can learn models of computer peripheral devices through input and output state observation. This enables automated development of functional software-only models of hardware devices. Such models are applicable to any number of tasks, including device validation, driver development, code de-obfuscation, and reverse engineering. We show that the same RNN structure successfully models six different devices from simple test circuits up to a 16550 UART serial port, and verify that these models are capable of producing equivalent output to real hardware.

John Clemens
arXiv:1805.07869 · stat.ML, cs.LG · submitted May 21, 2018
abstract · pdf · html · Under review for publication at IJCNN 2018

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