# ControlVault 3: reconstructing Linux fingerprint support

> controlvault3-linux-fingerprint reconstructs the encrypted command exchange of the Dell/Broadcom ControlVault 3 fingerprint sensor and implements enrollment and verification on Linux. It offers a libfprint TOD driver for fprintd and an alternative standalone PAM path. The author describes deriving the channel from Windows USB captures and crypto hooks and reports testing on a Dell Latitude 5531.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-08
- Original resource: <https://github.com/japananimetime/controlvault3-linux-fingerprint>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/japananimetime/controlvault3-linux-fingerprint/blob/a597fd3ff9bc4cb8a3d9496231daaf1916cf7c5d/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/controlvault3-linux-fingerprint-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/controlvault3-linux-fingerprint-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/controlvault3-linux-fingerprint-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** ControlVault 3 sensor with USB ID 0a5c:5843; tested on Dell Latitude 5531.
- **Prerequisites:** Linux with the libfprint TOD development package, GLib, GUsb and OpenSSL for the driver path.
- **Limits:** Other ControlVault 3 units and USB IDs remain untested; on-device template listing and deletion remain planned.
- **License:** MIT licence.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/japananimetime/controlvault3-linux-fingerprint/blob/a597fd3ff9bc4cb8a3d9496231daaf1916cf7c5d/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/japananimetime/controlvault3-linux-fingerprint/blob/a597fd3ff9bc4cb8a3d9496231daaf1916cf7c5d/windows/README.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.