A Bluetooth Security Vulnerability Threatens One Billion Devices Worldwide

Researchers from the cybersecurity company TarloLogic have announced the discovery of a security vulnerability in a Bluetooth chip that could affect more than one billion devices worldwide.

According to Mashable, the researchers confirmed that attackers could exploit this vulnerability as a tool to hack into devices.

Using specific commands, hackers can impersonate a trusted device and then connect to smartphones, computers, and other devices to access the stored data.

• A Device You Should Turn Off to Speed Up Your Home Internet

• Microsoft launches a virtual assistant to encourage the use of artificial intelligence

Additionally, malicious actors can continue exploiting the connection to spy on users.

The affected chip is the ESP32, manufactured by the Chinese company Espressif. The ESP32 is a microcontroller that enables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

In 2023, Espressif announced that it had sold one billion units of the ESP32 chip worldwide. Millions of Internet-connected devices, such as smart gadgets, rely on this chip.

• Why Does Your Phone Pose a Security Risk to Your Company?

• 10 Ways to Verify a Website’s Security and Reliability

The researchers at TarloLogic stated that this vulnerability could allow cybercriminals to execute identity spoofing attacks, potentially compromising sensitive devices like mobile phones and computers by bypassing code verification mechanisms.

Furthermore, TarloLogic experts have developed a new tool to analyze the Bluetooth driver, which helped them discover 29 hidden exploitable functions that enable device impersonation and unauthorized access to confidential information.

• “Artificial Intelligence Police” Working Hand in Hand with Chinese Security to Combat Crime

• How to Make the Most of Apple Maps?

• With the upcoming iPhone update, Apple is abandoning these devices

• To Avoid Fires: Devices You Should Never Plug Into a Power Strip