Researchers uncover hidden ‘backdoor’ in widely used ESP32 microchip

Researchers uncover hidden 'backdoor' in widely used ESP32 microchip
Researchers uncover hidden ‘backdoor’ in widely used ESP32 microchip

A warm potato: The ESP32 chip, found in over 1000000000 devices global, includes undocumented seller-particular commands that could probably be misused to access tool reminiscence and control Bluetooth functionality. Security experts emphasize that those commands aren’t at once reachable remotely with out additional vulnerabilities and generally require physical get admission to or already compromised firmware to exploit.

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An undocumented set of low-degree instructions has been observed inside the ESP32 microchip, a broadly used aspect in IoT gadgets. Manufactured by way of the Chinese employer Espressif, the ESP32 is a vital factor for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity in numerous smart devices, inclusive of mobile phones, computers, clever locks, and scientific gadget.

As of 2023, it’s miles found in over a billion devices global. This discovery turned into made by way of Spanish researchers Miguel Tarascó Acuña and Antonio Vázquez Blanco of Tarlogic Security.

The researchers offered their findings at RootedCON in Madrid, revealing undocumented proprietary HCI commands within the ESP32’s Bluetooth firmware. This set of 29 hidden vendor-precise commands, together with Opcode 0x3F, permits low-level manipulate over Bluetooth functions.

In a later replace on their weblog, the researchers downplayed using the term “backdoor” to describe their findings, clarifying that these proprietary HCI instructions may be taken into consideration “hidden features” that permit operations along with studying and editing memory in the ESP32 controller. However, the usage of those instructions may want to nonetheless facilitate deliver chain attacks or the concealment of backdoors within the chipset.The life of those undocumented commands increases concerns about capability malicious implementations on the OEM stage and the chance of deliver chain assaults. While Espressif has not publicly documented those instructions, their presence maximum likely suggests an oversight than an intentional inclusion.

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These instructions can be leveraged to control reminiscence by means of analyzing and writing to RAM and Flash, spoof MAC addresses to impersonate devices, and inject LMP/LLCP packets. While those functionalities aren’t inherently malicious, they may be misused by attackers who have already gained get right of entry to to a tool, taking into consideration impersonation attacks, bypassing protection audits, or permanently modifying device conduct.The risks associated with these commands normally rely on the assault vector. In most instances, remote exploitation could require additional vulnerabilities, inclusive of pre-established malware or firmware manipulation. The extra realistic assault situation might probably contain physical get right of entry to to the device’s USB or UART interface.

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To examine and disclose those hidden instructions, Tarlogic developed a brand new C-based totally USB Bluetooth driver, BluetoothUSB, which presents hardware-impartial and go-platform get entry to to Bluetooth visitors. This device enables complete protection audits of Bluetooth devices without relying on OS-particular APIs, addressing a enormous hole in contemporary safety testing gear.

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Traditional safety auditing equipment often require specialized hardware and are restrained via their dependence on precise operating structures, making comprehensive audits extra challenging.

The capability effect of these undocumented instructions is particularly applicable given the ESP32’s great use in low-value IoT gadgets, which can be bought for as little as $2. While these commands had been probably supposed for debugging, their presence is a reminder of why robust firmware safety is important within the IoT international.

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