CVE-2025-65822 identifies a security vulnerability in the ESP32 system on a chip (SoC) embedded in the Meatmeet Pro commercial product. The root cause is that JTAG debugging functionality remains enabled on the device in production. JTAG is a hardware interface primarily used for debugging and programming embedded systems. When enabled, it allows direct low-level access to the device's internals, including memory and firmware. An attacker with physical access can connect to the JTAG port and reflash the device's firmware with malicious code. This malicious firmware can execute arbitrary code, effectively taking full control of the device. The attacker can disrupt the device's intended functionality, causing denial of service or manipulation of device behavior. Additionally, the attacker can extract Wi-Fi credentials stored in the device's non-volatile storage (NVS) partition and use them to connect to the victim's Wi-Fi network, compromising network confidentiality and potentially enabling further lateral attacks. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.8, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector requires physical access (AV:P), but no privileges or user interaction are needed. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as the attacker gains full control over the device and network access. There are no patches or known exploits reported yet. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-1191, which relates to improper control of JTAG interface. This issue highlights the risk of leaving debugging interfaces enabled in production IoT devices, which can be exploited for firmware tampering and network compromise.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially for those deploying Meatmeet Pro devices or other ESP32-based products with JTAG enabled. The primary impact is loss of device integrity and availability, as attackers can reflash firmware and disable device functionality. Furthermore, the compromise of Wi-Fi credentials threatens network confidentiality and can lead to broader network intrusions. Organizations relying on these devices for critical operations or connected to sensitive networks could face operational disruptions and data breaches. The requirement for physical access limits remote exploitation but increases risk in environments with insufficient physical security controls, such as public or semi-public spaces, manufacturing floors, or distributed IoT deployments. The lack of available patches means organizations must rely on physical security and configuration changes to mitigate risk. This vulnerability also raises concerns about supply chain security and device hardening practices in IoT manufacturing, which are relevant across European industries adopting connected devices.

1. Disable JTAG interface in all production ESP32 devices, including Meatmeet Pro, by configuring firmware and hardware settings before deployment. 2. Implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to devices, especially in public or semi-public environments. 3. Conduct inventory and audits of deployed ESP32-based devices to identify those with JTAG enabled and prioritize their replacement or reconfiguration. 4. Use secure boot and firmware signing mechanisms to prevent unauthorized firmware flashing even if JTAG is accessible. 5. Segment IoT devices on isolated network segments to limit the impact of compromised devices on critical infrastructure. 6. Educate staff on the risks of physical access attacks and enforce policies for device handling and storage. 7. Engage with device manufacturers to request firmware updates or hardware revisions that disable JTAG by default. 8. Monitor network traffic for unusual connections or attempts to access Wi-Fi credentials from IoT devices. 9. Consider deploying tamper-evident seals or enclosures to detect physical intrusion attempts. 10. Develop incident response plans that include scenarios involving physical compromise of IoT devices.