CVE-2012-6459 in ConnMan
Summary
by MITRE
ConnMan 1.3 on Tizen continues to list the bluetooth service after offline mode has been enabled, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via Bluetooth packets.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6459 affects ConnMan version 1.3 running on the Tizen operating system, specifically concerning the management of Bluetooth services during offline mode operations. This issue represents a significant security flaw in the network management daemon's handling of wireless service states, creating a persistent exposure that could be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw manifests when the system transitions to offline mode but fails to properly terminate or remove Bluetooth service entries from the connection manager's service list, leaving the Bluetooth subsystem accessible even when it should be disabled.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper state management within ConnMan's service handling mechanisms. When offline mode is activated, the system should logically disable all wireless services to prevent unauthorized access and data transmission. However, the implementation fails to completely remove Bluetooth services from the active service registry, allowing these services to remain accessible through the network management interface. This creates a persistent attack surface where Bluetooth packets can be transmitted or received even when the system is ostensibly in offline mode, potentially exposing sensitive information through the wireless interface.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted over Bluetooth connections. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw to intercept Bluetooth packets that would normally be restricted when the device is in offline mode, potentially gaining access to sensitive information such as authentication credentials, personal data, or communication contents. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level through the network management daemon rather than requiring physical access or more sophisticated exploitation techniques. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems.
The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential lateral movement and data exfiltration capabilities for attackers. In a Tizen environment, where devices may be used in sensitive contexts such as mobile devices, IoT systems, or embedded applications, this vulnerability could enable unauthorized access to personal information or corporate data through Bluetooth communications. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it persists even when users believe their device is in a secure offline state, creating a false sense of security that attackers can exploit. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046, which involves network service scanning and reconnaissance, as the persistent Bluetooth service allows for continuous monitoring and potential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper service state management within ConnMan and ensuring complete deactivation of wireless services during offline mode transitions. System administrators should update to patched versions of ConnMan that properly handle service state transitions, while also implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect unauthorized Bluetooth activity. Additional protective measures include disabling Bluetooth services entirely when offline mode is active, implementing proper access controls for network management interfaces, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar state management flaws in other system components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of thorough testing of service state transitions in security-critical systems and demonstrates the necessity of following security best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-53 for secure system design and implementation.