CVE-2006-0212 in Bluetooth Stack
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in OBEX Push services in Toshiba Bluetooth Stack 4.00.23(T) and earlier allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary files to arbitrary remote locations specified by .. (dot dot) sequences, as demonstrated by ..\\ sequences in the RFILE argument of ussp-push.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0212 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the OBEX Push services of Toshiba Bluetooth Stack versions 4.00.23(T) and earlier. This security weakness resides in the handling of file paths during Bluetooth file transfer operations, specifically when processing the RFILE argument within the ussp-push service. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file upload destinations by exploiting dot dot sequences that traverse directory hierarchies, potentially allowing unauthorized file placement on remote systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the protocol level of Bluetooth file sharing, making it accessible to attackers who can establish Bluetooth connections with vulnerable devices. This issue demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the Bluetooth stack's file handling components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of file path parameters within the OBEX Push protocol implementation. When the ussp-push service processes the RFILE argument, it fails to properly validate or sanitize directory traversal sequences such as ..\ or ../ that could be embedded within file names or paths. This lack of proper input validation creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can manipulate the intended destination of uploaded files. The vulnerability specifically affects the Bluetooth stack's handling of file transfers through the OBEX (Object Exchange) protocol, which is commonly used for wireless file sharing between Bluetooth-enabled devices. The flaw allows attackers to specify arbitrary remote locations by crafting file paths that contain directory traversal sequences, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially enabling the placement of malicious files in sensitive system directories. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that aligns with CWE-22, which catalogs improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as directory traversal or path traversal.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-0212 extends beyond simple unauthorized file placement, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks within Bluetooth-enabled environments. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially place malicious executables or configuration files in system directories, leading to privilege escalation or persistent access. The vulnerability affects devices running Toshiba Bluetooth Stack 4.00.23(T) and earlier versions, which were commonly deployed in mobile devices, laptops, and other Bluetooth-enabled systems. This creates a significant risk for organizations and individuals who rely on Bluetooth file sharing functionality, as the attack can be executed remotely without requiring physical access to the target device. The vulnerability also has implications for Bluetooth network security, as it could be leveraged in broader attack scenarios involving Bluetooth-enabled device ecosystems. The potential for exploitation is heightened by the widespread use of Bluetooth file sharing protocols and the relatively low barrier to entry for attackers to discover and exploit this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0212 focus on addressing the root cause through software updates and input validation improvements. The primary remediation involves upgrading to Toshiba Bluetooth Stack versions that contain patches addressing the directory traversal vulnerability, as this represents the most effective solution for eliminating the flaw. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit Bluetooth file sharing capabilities where possible, particularly in enterprise environments where Bluetooth connectivity may not be essential for business operations. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for all file path parameters within Bluetooth services, deploying network monitoring to detect suspicious file transfer patterns, and establishing security policies that restrict Bluetooth file sharing to trusted devices only. Organizations should also consider disabling Bluetooth file sharing services when not actively needed and implementing regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other Bluetooth stack implementations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation in network protocols and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence through file system manipulation, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls in wireless communication protocols.