CVE-2005-4417 in Bluetooth
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Widcomm Bluetooth for Windows (BTW) 4.0.1.1500 and earlier, as installed on Belkin Bluetooth Software 1.4.2 Build 10 and ANYCOM Blue USB-130-250 Software 4.0.1.1500, and possibly other devices, sets null Authentication and Authorization values, which allows remote attackers to send arbitrary audio and possibly eavesdrop using the microphone via the Hands Free Audio Gateway and Headset profile.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4417 represents a critical security flaw in Bluetooth implementations that specifically affects Widcomm Bluetooth for Windows software versions 4.0.1.1500 and earlier. This issue manifests in the default configuration settings of Bluetooth stacks installed on various peripheral devices including Belkin and ANYCOM Bluetooth adapters, where the authentication and authorization mechanisms are improperly configured to accept null values. The flaw exists within the Hands Free Audio Gateway and Headset profiles, which are fundamental components of Bluetooth audio communication protocols designed for wireless audio devices such as headsets, speakers, and automotive audio systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of Bluetooth security protocols where the system fails to enforce proper authentication mechanisms before establishing audio connections. When the Bluetooth stack is configured with null authentication and authorization values, it creates an attack surface that allows remote adversaries to establish unauthorized connections to Bluetooth audio devices without requiring any credentials or authorization. This configuration essentially disables the security controls that should normally prevent unauthorized access to the audio streams and microphone capabilities of Bluetooth-enabled devices. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Hands Free profile which is designed to support voice communication between mobile devices and audio equipment, and the Headset profile that handles audio streaming and microphone functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to perform unauthorized audio eavesdropping and arbitrary audio injection attacks. An attacker positioned within the Bluetooth range of an affected device can exploit this weakness to establish connections and potentially listen to audio conversations through the device's microphone or inject malicious audio content into the communication stream. The security implications extend beyond simple eavesdropping as the vulnerability could be exploited for more sophisticated attacks including man-in-the-middle scenarios where attackers could intercept and modify audio communications. This represents a direct violation of the confidentiality and integrity principles in information security, as the Bluetooth audio streams are not properly secured against unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects a wide range of devices including mobile phones, headsets, automotive systems, and other Bluetooth audio peripherals that rely on the affected Widcomm Bluetooth stack implementations.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Bluetooth technology in both personal and enterprise environments. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple device manufacturers including Belkin and ANYCOM indicates that it represents a systemic issue within the Widcomm Bluetooth stack rather than isolated device-specific problems. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which covers cryptographic weaknesses, specifically addressing the absence of proper authentication mechanisms in Bluetooth profiles. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving initial access through wireless protocols and privilege escalation through unauthorized data access, potentially enabling persistent monitoring of audio communications in targeted environments. The vulnerability also relates to the broader category of insecure default configurations that frequently appear in IoT and wireless devices, making it a critical concern for organizations implementing Bluetooth-based audio solutions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate configuration changes to enforce proper authentication and authorization requirements for Bluetooth audio connections. Organizations should ensure that all affected devices have their Bluetooth stacks updated to versions that properly implement authentication mechanisms and disable null authentication settings. System administrators should implement regular security audits to identify and remediate devices with vulnerable Bluetooth configurations, particularly in enterprise environments where Bluetooth audio devices are commonly used for sensitive communications. The implementation of network segmentation and Bluetooth device whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which devices can establish connections to audio peripherals. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of enabling Bluetooth functionality in public spaces where unauthorized access could occur, and organizations should consider implementing Bluetooth security policies that require manual configuration of authentication settings rather than relying on default configurations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security configuration management and the need for regular security assessments of wireless communication protocols in enterprise and consumer environments.