CVE-2025-32882 identifies a vulnerability in goTenna v1 devices running app version 5.5.3 and firmware 0.25.5. The core issue stems from the application's use of a custom encryption implementation that lacks additional integrity verification mechanisms, such as message authentication codes (MACs) or digital signatures. This cryptographic design flaw allows an attacker who can intercept or access the encrypted messages to manipulate (malleate) the ciphertext without detection. Because the encryption does not include integrity checks, the recipient cannot verify whether the message content has been altered in transit. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-353, which relates to missing or insufficient integrity checks. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), with the vector indicating that the attack requires high attack complexity (AC:H), network attack vector (AV:A), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), no impact on confidentiality (C:N), but high impact on integrity (I:H), and no impact on availability (A:N). This means an attacker must have network access to the device but does not need credentials or user interaction to exploit the flaw. The lack of integrity protection can enable attackers to alter messages, potentially causing misinformation, command injection, or disruption of communication reliability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The vulnerability affects a niche communication device used primarily for off-grid messaging, which relies on secure message transmission for operational integrity.

For European organizations, especially those relying on goTenna devices for secure, decentralized communication in critical operations (such as emergency services, outdoor expeditions, or remote fieldwork), this vulnerability poses a significant risk to message integrity. Attackers capable of intercepting network traffic could manipulate messages, leading to misinformation, operational errors, or unauthorized commands being executed. Although confidentiality is not compromised, the integrity breach can undermine trust in the communication system, potentially causing mission failures or safety hazards. Given that goTenna devices are often used in environments lacking traditional communication infrastructure, the inability to detect message tampering could severely impact coordination and response times. Additionally, sectors such as disaster response, environmental monitoring, and security services in Europe that utilize these devices may face operational disruptions. The medium CVSS score reflects moderate risk, but the specialized use cases and critical nature of the communications elevate the practical impact in affected contexts.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting network access to goTenna devices to trusted parties only, minimizing the attack surface. 2. Employ out-of-band verification methods for critical messages, such as secondary confirmation channels or manual validation, to detect potential message tampering. 3. Organizations should monitor for unusual message patterns or inconsistencies that could indicate manipulation attempts. 4. Until an official patch or firmware update is released, avoid using goTenna devices for transmitting highly sensitive or mission-critical commands. 5. Engage with the device vendor or community to advocate for the implementation of standard cryptographic integrity checks (e.g., HMAC or authenticated encryption modes like AES-GCM) in future firmware and app updates. 6. Consider deploying additional endpoint security controls on connected devices to detect anomalous behavior resulting from manipulated messages. 7. Train users on the limitations of the current encryption and the importance of verifying message authenticity through alternative means.