A potentially severe cybersecurity issue has been uncovered that could impact over a billion devices worldwide. Cybersecurity researchers at Tarlogic have discovered hidden commands embedded in a Bluetooth chip widely used in various devices, including smartphones, computers, IoT devices, and medical equipment. These secret commands, which were not publicly documented, could allow hackers to impersonate trusted devices, spy on users, and steal sensitive information. The vulnerable Bluetooth chip, known as ESP32, is manufactured by the China-based company Espressif, which has reportedly sold more than one billion of these chips globally.
The Discovery of Hidden Commands in Bluetooth Chips
The research team at Tarlogic made the discovery while analyzing the security aspects of Bluetooth communications. Using a newly developed Bluetooth driver tool, they were able to identify 29 hidden functionalities within the ESP32 chip. These undocumented features could potentially be exploited to bypass standard security measures, making the affected devices highly vulnerable to impersonation attacks and unauthorized access.
One of the primary concerns is that hackers could use these commands to trick a device into thinking it is connected to a trusted source, enabling them to extract private data, control connected devices remotely, and even install malicious software that could persist beyond standard security patches.
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How the ESP32 Chip Became a Security Risk
The ESP32 chip is a popular microcontroller known for its low cost and ability to support both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Because of its affordability—priced at approximately $2 per unit—millions of IoT devices, smart appliances, security systems, and even medical equipment utilize this component. However, the discovery of hidden commands within these chips highlights a potential oversight in security measures that could have serious consequences.
What Can Hackers Do with These Hidden Commands?
Security experts warn that the hidden commands can be leveraged for multiple attack vectors, including:
- Device Impersonation: Hackers can mimic a known, trusted device, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
- Data Theft: Attackers can retrieve confidential information, including passwords, financial data, and personal messages.
- Spyware Installation: Malicious software can be installed to track user activity or manipulate device behavior.
- Compromising Critical Infrastructure: Devices such as medical equipment, smart locks, and industrial control systems that rely on Bluetooth connectivity can be severely impacted.
- Persistent Exploits: Once compromised, devices may remain vulnerable even after traditional security updates.
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Understanding CVE-2025-27840: The Security Vulnerability Code
The issue has been officially registered under the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database as CVE-2025-27840. This classification helps cybersecurity professionals track and mitigate security threats. The severity of this vulnerability stems from the fact that the commands were intentionally undocumented, leaving device manufacturers and software developers unaware of potential exploits.
How Tarlogic Uncovered the Threat
Tarlogic’s cybersecurity team developed a custom Bluetooth driver tool designed to analyze hidden aspects of Bluetooth-enabled devices. Through extensive testing, they discovered the 29 secret commands embedded within ESP32 chips, allowing unauthorized device impersonation and data exfiltration.
The findings suggest that these commands were likely integrated during the chip’s development phase but were never publicly documented. Whether this was an oversight or an intentional feature remains unclear.
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What This Means for Device Manufacturers and Users
Since the ESP32 chip is integrated into millions of devices, the implications of this discovery are significant. Many manufacturers may be unaware of the hidden vulnerabilities within their products. Security patches and firmware updates will be essential to mitigate the risk. However, the complexity of Bluetooth-based attacks makes it challenging to completely secure affected devices without a major overhaul of the firmware and security protocols.
Steps Users Can Take to Protect Themselves
- Update Firmware Regularly: Device manufacturers may release patches to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Disable Bluetooth When Not in Use: Prevent unauthorized connections by turning off Bluetooth when it is not needed.
- Monitor Connected Devices: Check which devices are connected to your smartphone, computer, or smart home systems.
- Use Secure Bluetooth Pairing Methods: Enable features like two-factor authentication (2FA) for Bluetooth connections where possible.
- Be Cautious with IoT Devices: If you own IoT devices utilizing ESP32 chips, stay updated on manufacturer advisories.
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Industry Reactions and Possible Solutions
Espressif’s Response
As of now, Espressif has not publicly addressed the issue. Given the scale of affected devices, cybersecurity experts are urging the company to acknowledge and release security patches to address the vulnerability.
The Need for Stricter IoT Security Standards
This incident highlights the urgent need for better security regulations in IoT development. Experts suggest that manufacturers should be required to document all commands and functionalities within their chips, allowing security audits to identify and mitigate potential threats before they reach consumers.
Future Implications for Bluetooth Security
The discovery of hidden commands within a widely used Bluetooth chip raises concerns about other potential vulnerabilities in similar components. Researchers believe that more Bluetooth chips could have undocumented functionalities, which means future investigations will be necessary to ensure overall security in wireless communications.
The discovery of hidden Bluetooth commands within ESP32 chips serves as a wake-up call for the entire industry, emphasizing the critical need for stronger cybersecurity measures in IoT devices and wireless communication systems.
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FAQs
1. What is the ESP32 chip?
The ESP32 is a microcontroller with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, commonly used in IoT devices and smart home products.
2. Why is the ESP32 chip a security risk?
Researchers discovered 29 undocumented commands that hackers could use to impersonate trusted devices, steal data, and compromise security systems.
3. How many devices are affected by this issue?
More than one billion devices worldwide could be impacted since the ESP32 chip is widely used in smartphones, IoT devices, and medical equipment.
4. What kind of cyberattacks are possible using these hidden commands?
Hackers can impersonate trusted devices, steal personal data, install spyware, and control connected devices remotely.
5. How can users protect themselves from this vulnerability?
Users should update firmware, disable Bluetooth when not needed, monitor connected devices, and follow security best practices.
6. What is CVE-2025-27840?
CVE-2025-27840 is the official security vulnerability tracking code assigned to this issue, allowing experts to monitor and address the risk.
7. Has Espressif responded to the issue?
As of now, Espressif has not issued an official statement or released a patch to fix the vulnerability.
8. Are other Bluetooth chips at risk?
Possibly. Security researchers believe similar vulnerabilities could exist in other Bluetooth chips, requiring further investigation.
9. How can manufacturers fix this issue?
Manufacturers need to release firmware updates, audit Bluetooth functionalities, and implement stricter security protocols.
10. What does this mean for the future of IoT security?
This discovery highlights the urgent need for better security regulations, transparency in hardware development, and stricter cybersecurity policies.