In the realm of Red Team operations, one advanced technique involves exploiting hardware reset functionalities to disrupt critical systems and gain unauthorized access. This approach capitalizes on the inherent vulnerability of various devices to factory reset methods, which can be leveraged to bypass security configurations, restore default settings, or trigger service disruptions. By performing multiple power cycles or initiating factory resets, Red Teamers can effectively nullify customized configurations, forcing a system to revert to its default state. This can expose default credentials, remove security measures, and cause operational interruptions, providing an avenue for further exploitation.

This method is particularly potent in high-stakes environments where security and operational continuity are paramount. It applies to a range of critical devices, including network firewalls, industrial control systems (ICS), and data center hardware. The ability to reset hardware using multiple power-off techniques is a strategic move that can undermine network defenses, disrupt industrial processes, and compromise data integrity. By understanding and employing these reset techniques, Red Teamers can simulate realistic attack scenarios that test the resilience of an organization's security posture and response mechanisms.

Device	Vendor	Model	Industry	Instructions	Impact
Cisco ASA Firewall	Cisco	ASA 5505, ASA 5516-X	Enterprise Networks	Power cycle 5 times, enter ROMMON mode, conf factory-default.	Firewall rules, VPN, and user settings wiped out.
Siemens SIMATIC PLC	Siemens	S7-1200	Industrial Control Systems (ICS)	Power cycle 3 times, hold MRES button, release when STOP LED flashes.	Control programs and configurations erased.
Palo Alto Firewall	Palo Alto Networks	PA-220	Enterprise Networks	Power cycle 5 times, boot into maintenance mode, select Factory Reset.	All firewall rules and network settings wiped out.
Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X	Ubiquiti Networks	EdgeRouter X	SMB and ISP Networks	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 15 seconds.	All configurations reset, default credentials enabled.
Schneider Modicon PLC	Schneider Electric	M221	Industrial Automation (ICS)	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 10 seconds.	Automation processes disrupted, configurations erased.
Honeywell Experion Controller	Honeywell	Experion PKS	SCADA/ICS Systems	Power cycle 4 times, hold reset button for 30 seconds.	SCADA configurations removed.
Hikvision NVR	Hikvision	DS-7600	Surveillance Systems	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 20 seconds.	Enables default credentials for access.
APC Smart-UPS	APC by Schneider	SMT1500RM2U	Critical Power Management	Power cycle 5 times, hold reset button for 10 seconds.	Removes custom power settings, affecting uptime.
GE RX3i Controller	General Electric	RX3i PACSystems Controller	ICS/SCADA Systems	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 15 seconds.	Automation control disrupted, configurations erased.
Cisco Catalyst Switch	Cisco	Catalyst 2960	Enterprise Networks	Power cycle 5 times, hold mode button for 10 seconds.	VLAN, routing, and security configurations removed.
Rockwell CompactLogix PLC	Rockwell Automation	CompactLogix 1769-L16ER	ICS/Industrial Automation	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 10 seconds.	Ladder logic and configurations erased.
Juniper Switch	Juniper Networks	EX2200	Enterprise Networks	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 10 seconds.	VLAN, port, and security settings cleared.
Siemens SIMATIC PLC	Siemens	S7-1500	Industrial Control Systems (ICS)	Power off and on 4 times, hold MRES button for 10 seconds.	Configuration and programs erased, requires manual reprogramming.
Dell PowerEdge Server	Dell	PowerEdge R640	Data Centers	Power cycle 5 times, hold reset button for 15 seconds.	Wipes all server configurations and storage data.
Aruba Switch	Aruba Networks	2930F	Enterprise Networks	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 20 seconds.	Network settings removed, default access enabled.
Axis Network Camera	Axis Communications	M3106-LVE	Surveillance Systems	Power cycle 4 times, hold reset button for 10 seconds.	Default credentials re-enabled for camera control.
Fortinet Firewall	Fortinet	FortiGate 30E	Enterprise Networks	Power cycle 5 times, hold reset button for 20 seconds.	Firewall rules wiped out, default credentials enabled.
Yokogawa DCS Controller	Yokogawa	CENTUM VP DCS	Process Automation/SCADA	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 15 seconds.	Process control configurations lost.
Panasonic PBX	Panasonic	KX-NS700	Telecommunications	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 10 seconds.	Telephony settings erased, requires reconfiguration.
Mitsubishi Electric PLC	Mitsubishi Electric	MELSEC-Q Series	Industrial Automation	Power cycle 3 times, hold reset button for 20 seconds.	Automation processes interrupted, forcing reprogramming.

References

1. Cisco ASA Firewall
   Cisco ASA Configuration Guide

2. Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLC
   Siemens S7-1200 Manual

3. Palo Alto PA-220 Firewall
   Palo Alto PA-220 Admin Guide

4. Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X
   Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Manual

5. Schneider Electric Modicon M221 PLC
   Schneider Electric Modicon M221 Manual

6. Honeywell Experion PKS Controller
   Honeywell Experion PKS Manual

7. Hikvision DS-7600 NVR
   Hikvision NVR Quick Start Guide

8. APC Smart-UPS SMT1500RM2U
   APC Smart-UPS User Manual

9. GE RX3i Controller
   GE RX3i Technical Documentation

10. Cisco Catalyst 2960 Switch
    Cisco Catalyst 2960 Reset Guide

11. Rockwell CompactLogix 1769-L16ER PLC
    Rockwell CompactLogix Manual

12. Juniper EX2200 Switch
    Juniper EX2200 Manual

13. Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC
    Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 Manual

14. Dell PowerEdge R640 Server
    Dell PowerEdge Reset Guide

15. Fortinet FortiGate 30E Firewall
    Fortinet FortiGate 30E Manual