Potential Risks to Bitcoin Wallets Posed by ESP32 Chip Vulnerability Detected

• A critical security vulnerability is raising alarms in the crypto community, particularly affecting Bitcoin wallets that rely on the China ESP32 chip.

• The risk posed by CVE-2025-27840 emphasizes a need for users to rethink their security practices while engaging with cryptocurrency.

• “Attackers can use various methods to gain access to the private key data of Bitcoin wallets through ESP32,” warned experts from Crypto Deep Tech.

This article explores the recent vulnerability in ESP32 chips threatening Bitcoin wallets, highlighting significant security risks for cryptocurrency users.

Bitcoin Wallets at Risk with ESP32 Chip

The ESP32 chip is crafted by Espressif Systems, a leading Chinese technology company. Thanks to its cost-effectiveness and adaptability in embedded systems, it has gained widespread adoption in various hardware wallets designed to safeguard Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies.

The hardware of the Blockstream Jade Plus wallet has also integrated the new ESP32-S3 chipset, intended for seamless operation.

Despite its popularity, cybersecurity experts have uncovered a severe vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-27840. This vulnerability enables hackers to bypass security protocols and extract private keys. Another critical Crypto-MCP flaw could let hackers expose seed phrases or redirect blockchain transactions without user detection.

According to an in-depth analysis by Crypto Deep Tech, this vulnerability allows attackers to forge ECSDA signatures. Following this, hackers can facilitate unauthorized transactions that users cannot detect.

“Attackers can use various methods to gain access to the private key data of Bitcoin wallets through ESP32,” Crypto Deep Tech warned.

In a real-world test, researchers successfully exploited this vulnerability to access a Bitcoin wallet holding 10 BTC, highlighting the potential for significant financial losses. The chip’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity exacerbates the risk, allowing hackers to deploy malicious updates and remotely extract sensitive data. This concern is especially acute for Electrum-based wallets.

The repercussions of this vulnerability extend beyond individual investors, raising broader concerns about comprehensive network security. Experts caution that it could enable state-sponsored espionage campaigns and coordinated theft operations targeting devices dependent on ESP32.

The discovery of this flaw has ignited debates about the reliability of Chinese-manufactured components within critical financial infrastructure.

“I wouldn’t use ESP32 based hardware wallets for single sig,” cautioned X user nvk.

No specific wallet models have been broadly identified as affected so far. Nevertheless, the push for manufacturers to provide transparency and disclose impacted products is becoming increasingly urgent to mitigate the risks and protect users.

Implications for Users and Manufacturers

As the crypto landscape rapidly evolves, hardware manufacturers need to prioritize transparency and security in their products. The lack of clear communication regarding vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-27840 can lead to devastating consequences for users who may unknowingly rely on compromised devices.

Analysts suggest that companies should implement rigorous testing protocols and provide regular updates to ensure user security. Moreover, educating consumers on potential vulnerabilities and best practices in security can empower them to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

In summary, the CVE-2025-27840 vulnerability poses a significant threat to Bitcoin wallets using the ESP32 chips, which has raised concerns not only for individual cryptocurrency investors but also for the broader financial infrastructure. By cultivating transparency and prioritizing security, manufacturers can help mitigate these risks, while users must remain vigilant and informed to protect their digital assets.