this post was submitted on 08 Mar 2025
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Source Link Privacy.Privacy test result

https://themarkup.org/blacklight?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tarlogic.com%2Fnews%2Fbackdoor-esp32-chip-infect-ot-devices%2F&device=mobile&location=us-ca&force=false

Tarlogic Security has detected a backdoor in the ESP32, a microcontroller that enables WiFi and Bluetooth connection and is present in millions of mass-market IoT devices. Exploitation of this backdoor would allow hostile actors to conduct impersonation attacks and permanently infect sensitive devices such as mobile phones, computers, smart locks or medical equipment by bypassing code audit controls.

Update: The ESP32 "backdoor" that wasn't.

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[–] CosmoNova@lemmy.world 19 points 1 day ago (3 children)

Not the first time a backdoor was found on Chinese made hardware and it won‘t be the last time. Decoupling can‘t happen quickly enough.

[–] surewhynotlem@lemmy.world 17 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Which government's backdoors would you prefer?

"We know you have a choice in oppressive governments, so we appreciate you choosing ours."

[–] starman2112@sh.itjust.works 12 points 1 day ago (3 children)

None of them, that's why the only things in my house that connect to the internet are my computers, game consoles, and cell phone

[–] BeardedGingerWonder@feddit.uk 4 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Assuming you're not joking here, if your computers are any way modern they almost certainly have a backdoor.

[–] starman2112@sh.itjust.works 11 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Obviously, but I trust my Linux mint laptop a hell of a lot better than my aunt's XIPPLG branded wifi cat feeder that she bought off Amazon

[–] BeardedGingerWonder@feddit.uk 2 points 16 hours ago (1 children)

You probably shouldn't, check out Intel management engine and AMD secure technology.

[–] starman2112@sh.itjust.works 1 points 16 hours ago* (last edited 16 hours ago)

From what I understand, the only way to mitigate the risks relating to IME or AMD PSP is to simply not have a computer in the first place. Like I've said elsewhere twice now, it's worth mitigating some risks even if we can't mitigate all of them. I don't want the most advanced computing device in my home to be an astrolabe.

[–] sunzu2@thebrainbin.org 0 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I don't think Lemmy shitposters are getting them premium zero days used on them.

This isn't some crazy zero day, it's pretty well known. Intel management engine and AMD secure technology.

[–] targetx@programming.dev 1 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Not sure if joking or naive...

[–] starman2112@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Like I said 6 hours ago, just because I can't mitigate all of the risk doesn't mean that I shouldn't mitigate as much as I reasonably can.

My 3d printer is a fire hazard, but that's no excuse for leaving a bunch of candles unattended.

[–] targetx@programming.dev 1 points 1 day ago

Ah I missed the other comment, my client still had a cached view apparently. And definitely true regarding mitigation, your phrasing just read funny to me :)

[–] catloaf@lemm.ee 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

I guarantee all off those have components from manufacturers that a government could pressure for a backdoor.

[–] starman2112@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 day ago

You are correct, and it doesn't change my stance at all. It's still worth it to mitigate risk even if you can't mitigate all risk.

Like, the fact that my 3d printer is already a fire hazard does not justify leaving a bunch of candles unattended

[–] randompasta 17 points 1 day ago (1 children)

True, but the ESP32 is used by a lot of devices. This backdoor is pretty huge in scope of devices impacted.

[–] earphone843@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 day ago

It depends on what the method of attack is. I'm not seeing anything saying that it would be possible to exploit wirelessly, so this could easily be mostly a non-issue.

[–] GrizzlyBear@lemmy.world 7 points 1 day ago

I mean, most users here are browsing using a device with an AMD or Intel CPU, both with known backdoors. Not the first time a backdoor was found on American made hardware and it won't be the last.