# Ripples Technology Chief Issues Warning Regarding Billion-Device Bluetooth Weakness
David Schwartz, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, has shared his thoughts on a recently discovered Bluetooth flaw that has the potential to affect close to a billion gadgets globally.
Earlier in the week, the cybersecurity company Tarlogic revealed a concealed backdoor in the extensively utilized ESP32 microcontroller. This low-cost chip, priced at approximately $2, is present in a wide array of Bluetooth-enabled Internet of Things devices, including smart locks, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and even surveillance cameras. Toncoin (TON) Value Forecast for March 26th
The problem? This chip is susceptible to infection by harmful code through concealed commands. Tarlogic discovered 29 unrecorded commands that could grant hackers access to devices utilizing the ESP32, even when they are not connected to the internet. This could result in various consequences, ranging from espionage to the theft of personal information.
While there is some discussion about whether these unrecorded commands genuinely constitute a backdoor, the ramifications are significant.
Espressif Systems, the Chinese firm responsible for the chip, has not yet issued a statement regarding the findings. Regrettably, there doesn’t seem to be a simple solution other than completely replacing the hardware.
Schwartz, who had previously cautioned about a Windows flaw that allowed attackers to execute code within Wi-Fi range, recently used social media to voice his apprehension, implying that the outlook is not promising.
