CVE-2006-0253 in Blue Neighbors
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Bluetooth OBEX Object Push service in "Blue Neighbors.EXE" in AmbiCom Blue Neighbors 2.50 Build 2500 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long file name, as demonstrated via a long RFILE argument to ussp-push.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0253 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Bluetooth OBEX Object Push service implementation in AmbiCom Blue Neighbors 2.50 Build 2500 and earlier versions. This vulnerability specifically affects the Blue Neighbors.EXE executable component that handles Bluetooth file transfer operations through the OBEX protocol. The flaw manifests when processing file names that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists within a service that facilitates wireless file transfers over Bluetooth networks, making it accessible to remote attackers without requiring physical proximity or authentication.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within the handling of the RFILE argument in the ussp-push command interface. When a maliciously crafted long file name is provided to the Bluetooth OBEX Object Push service, the application fails to properly validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows an attacker to overwrite the return address on the stack or other critical program variables, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running service. The vulnerability follows the CWE-121 buffer overflow pattern and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution through network services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides remote attackers with a pathway to compromise systems running vulnerable versions of Blue Neighbors. Since Bluetooth services are often enabled by default on many devices and can be accessed over wireless networks, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that could be exploited by adversaries with minimal technical requirements. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not need physical access to target devices, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth is used for file sharing or device synchronization. The exploit demonstrates the broader security implications of insufficient input validation in network services, particularly those handling user-provided data through wireless protocols.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as the vendor has released updates addressing the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit Bluetooth service exposure and consider disabling unnecessary Bluetooth functionality on systems that do not require it. Additionally, monitoring for unusual Bluetooth traffic patterns or file transfer operations could help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network services, particularly those handling user-supplied data through wireless protocols. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of known vulnerable applications and establish baseline configurations that disable unnecessary Bluetooth services to reduce the attack surface.