CVE-2005-2250 in Affix
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Bluetooth FTP client (BTFTP) in Nokia Affix 2.1.2 and 3.2.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long filename in an OBEX file share.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2250 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Bluetooth File Transfer Protocol client implementation of Nokia Affix versions 2.1.2 and 3.2.0. This issue specifically affects the OBEX (Open Mobile Alliance Bluetooth Exchange) file sharing functionality that enables wireless data transfer between Bluetooth-enabled devices. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the BTFTP client component that processes file names received during Bluetooth file transfer operations.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious OBEX file share message containing an excessively long filename that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the BTFTP client application. When the vulnerable client attempts to process this oversized filename during the file transfer operation, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program execution structures. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other control data within the application's memory space, ultimately allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of any device running the vulnerable Nokia Affix software. Bluetooth-enabled devices that utilize this software for file transfer operations become susceptible to unauthorized access and potential system compromise without any user interaction required from the device owner. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates over the wireless Bluetooth protocol, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability from distances ranging from several meters to potentially hundreds of meters depending on the Bluetooth signal strength and device capabilities.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation within network protocols. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and script injection techniques. The vulnerability's exploitation capability places it within the high-risk category for enterprise environments where Bluetooth-enabled devices are prevalent, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and various IoT devices that may be running the affected software stack.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates and patches from Nokia to address the buffer overflow in the BTFTP client implementation. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary Bluetooth file sharing features, implementing proper network segmentation to limit Bluetooth device communication scope, and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all Bluetooth-enabled devices within the organization. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and memory safety practices in network protocol implementations, particularly those handling untrusted data from remote sources.