CVE-2015-6641 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
Bluetooth in Android 6.0 before 2016-01-01 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive Contacts information by leveraging pairing, aka internal bug 23607427.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2022
This vulnerability resides within the Bluetooth implementation of Android 6.0 operating systems, specifically affecting versions released prior to January 1, 2016. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to access sensitive contact information through the Bluetooth pairing process. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 where adversaries exploit system vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to data. The issue stems from inadequate validation and authorization checks during Bluetooth pairing operations, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to remotely extract contact data without physical access to the device.
The technical exploitation occurs when an attacker establishes a Bluetooth connection with an affected Android device during the pairing process. The vulnerability exploits a weakness in how the system handles Bluetooth authentication and authorization flows, particularly during the initial pairing phase where device credentials and permissions are negotiated. When a user pairs their device with another Bluetooth-enabled device, the system fails to properly validate the legitimacy of the pairing request, allowing unauthorized entities to intercept and access stored contact information. This flaw demonstrates poor input validation and insufficient session management during wireless communication protocols, creating a persistent security gap that can be exploited remotely without requiring physical presence or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as contact information represents highly sensitive personal data that can be leveraged for social engineering attacks, identity theft, and further exploitation attempts. Attackers can use the stolen contact information to craft targeted phishing campaigns, establish trust relationships with victims through social manipulation, or gain access to additional systems through contact-based attack vectors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from considerable distances, potentially using readily available Bluetooth monitoring equipment to capture data from unsuspecting users in public spaces or office environments. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where employees may unknowingly expose company contact information and potentially sensitive business relationships through compromised devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system updates and patches from Google, as well as comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous Bluetooth pairing behaviors. Organizations should implement Bluetooth device whitelisting policies and disable unnecessary Bluetooth functionality when not in use. The remediation process involves updating Android systems to versions released after January 1, 2016, which contain fixed Bluetooth pairing mechanisms and enhanced access controls. Security administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate Bluetooth communications and deploy intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for suspicious pairing attempts. Additionally, user education regarding Bluetooth security practices and the importance of only pairing with trusted devices remains crucial for preventing exploitation of this vulnerability in real-world scenarios.