CVE-2006-6897 in Bluetooth
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Widcomm Bluetooth for Windows (BTW) 3.0.1.905 allows remote attackers to conduct unauthorized file operations via a .. (dot dot) in an unspecified parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6897 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Widcomm Bluetooth for Windows version 3.0.1.905. This security weakness specifically affects the Bluetooth software stack implementation on Windows operating systems, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to execute unauthorized file operations. The vulnerability manifests when the software fails to properly validate input parameters containing directory traversal sequences, allowing attackers to manipulate file access patterns through specially crafted .. (dot dot) sequences in unspecified parameters. Such flaws typically arise from insufficient input sanitization and inadequate path validation mechanisms within the application's file handling routines.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the software's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before processing file operations. When a .. sequence is included in an unspecified parameter, the application processes this input without adequate validation, potentially allowing access to files outside the intended directory scope. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which specifically addresses "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" when considering the broader attack surface. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and potentially read, write, or execute files in directories outside the application's intended scope.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Windows systems running the affected Widcomm Bluetooth software. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user documents that should remain protected. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might gain elevated system access. Given that Bluetooth connectivity is often enabled by default on many systems, this vulnerability could be exploited without requiring physical access or local user credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Bluetooth services frequently run with elevated privileges and may have access to system resources that are normally restricted.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability encompass multiple layers of defense including immediate patch application from Widcomm, which would involve updating to a version that properly validates all input parameters and implements proper path sanitization. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit Bluetooth connectivity exposure and disable unnecessary Bluetooth services when not actively required. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation at all application interfaces, applying the principle of least privilege to Bluetooth service accounts, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Organizations should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious traversal sequences. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in security-critical applications and highlights how seemingly simple flaws in path handling can create significant security risks across enterprise networks.