Systems and methods for a run-time error correction code (“ECC”) error injection scheme for hardware validation are disclosed. The systems and methods include configuring a read path to internally forward read data, and injecting at least one faulty bit into the forwarded read data via a read fault injection logic. The systems and methods may also include configuring a write path to internally forward write data, and injecting at least one faulty bit into the forwarded write data via a write fault injection logic.