CVE-2016-6541 in TrackR Bravo App
Summary
by MITRE
TrackR Bravo device allows unauthenticated pairing, which enables unauthenticated connected applications to write to various device attributes. Updated apps, version 5.1.6 for iOS and 2.2.5 for Android, have been released by the vendor to address the vulnerabilities in CVE-2016-6538, CVE-2016-6539, CVE-2016-6540 and CVE-2016-6541.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The TrackR Bravo device represents a significant security vulnerability within the Internet of Things ecosystem, specifically targeting Bluetooth Low Energy communication protocols. This device operates as a Bluetooth tracking solution that connects to mobile applications for user interaction and data synchronization. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication mechanisms during the Bluetooth pairing process, allowing any nearby device to establish a connection without proper verification. This fundamental flaw creates an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the device's communication interface to manipulate its operational parameters and data attributes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper authentication checks during the Bluetooth pairing sequence. When a mobile application attempts to connect to the TrackR Bravo device, the device fails to validate the identity of the connecting application or user. This allows unauthorized applications to establish a connection and subsequently write to various device attributes including tracking parameters, user settings, and operational configurations. The vulnerability specifically affects the device's attribute writing capabilities, enabling attackers to modify critical device functions without authorization. This flaw operates at the protocol level, bypassing standard security controls that should prevent unauthorized modifications to device state and configuration parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables persistent manipulation of tracking device functionality. An attacker with physical proximity to the device can potentially alter tracking parameters, modify user data, or even disable security features entirely. This creates a scenario where malicious actors could redirect tracking data, manipulate device behavior, or compromise the integrity of location-based services. The vulnerability affects both iOS and Android platforms through the affected applications, indicating a device-level issue that requires application-level patches to address the underlying security gaps. The implications include potential privacy violations, data integrity compromises, and the possibility of device misuse for tracking or surveillance purposes.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper authentication mechanisms during Bluetooth pairing processes. Organizations and users should immediately update to the vendor-provided versions 5.1.6 for iOS and 2.2.5 for Android, which address this and related vulnerabilities. The fix likely involves strengthening the authentication requirements for device pairing and ensuring that only authenticated applications can write to device attributes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 authentication weaknesses and represents a critical issue in mobile device security. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving unauthorized access and privilege escalation through communication protocols. The remediation process should include network monitoring to detect unauthorized pairing attempts and device configuration reviews to ensure proper security settings are maintained. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of connecting to unknown devices and the importance of keeping applications updated to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.