CVE-2005-2547 in BlueZ
Summary
by MITRE
security.c in hcid for BlueZ 2.16, 2.17, and 2.18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the Bluetooth device name when invoking the PIN helper.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2547 represents a critical command injection flaw within the BlueZ Bluetooth stack implementation, specifically affecting versions 2.16 through 2.18. This security issue resides in the security.c file of the hcid daemon component, which serves as the Bluetooth connection manager responsible for handling Bluetooth device pairing and authentication processes. The flaw manifests when the system invokes a PIN helper program to manage Bluetooth device authentication, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability exploits the improper handling of Bluetooth device names that contain shell metacharacters, allowing maliciously crafted device names to be interpreted and executed as shell commands by the underlying system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Bluetooth device names during the pairing process, where the system fails to properly sanitize input before passing it to shell execution contexts. When a Bluetooth device attempts to pair with an affected system, the device name is processed without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms, enabling attackers to inject shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or command substitution operators. This allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the hcid daemon, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely without requiring physical access to the target system, making it a significant threat to Bluetooth-enabled devices in networked environments. The flaw directly maps to CWE-78, which identifies improper neutralization of special elements used in shell commands, and represents a classic command injection vulnerability that has been consistently observed across various Bluetooth and wireless protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to Bluetooth-enabled systems and potentially escalate privileges to full system control. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute commands such as creating backdoor accounts, installing malware, modifying system files, or establishing persistent access points within the network. The vulnerability affects any system running BlueZ versions 2.16 through 2.18 that accepts Bluetooth device connections and utilizes the PIN helper functionality, making it particularly concerning for embedded systems, mobile devices, and IoT equipment that rely on Bluetooth for connectivity. The attack surface is further expanded due to the nature of Bluetooth pairing protocols, which often occur automatically or with minimal user interaction, allowing for automated exploitation without requiring user consent or intervention.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected BlueZ versions to the latest stable releases that contain proper input sanitization and shell escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation and Bluetooth access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, particularly those running older BlueZ versions. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual Bluetooth pairing attempts and command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary Bluetooth functionality when not required, implementing proper firewall rules to restrict Bluetooth traffic, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of Bluetooth-enabled devices. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched systems to ensure that the fix does not introduce compatibility issues with existing Bluetooth device configurations. Additionally, organizations should develop incident response procedures specifically addressing Bluetooth security incidents and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence on Bluetooth-based attacks to improve detection and response capabilities. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in system components that handle user-supplied data, particularly in network services and protocols that operate with elevated privileges.