CVE-2016-7837 in BlueZ
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in BlueZ 5.41 and earlier allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via the parse_line function used in some userland utilities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7837 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the BlueZ Bluetooth stack version 5.41 and earlier implementations. This flaw exists within the parse_line function which serves as a core component in various userland utilities responsible for processing Bluetooth-related data. The buffer overflow occurs when the function fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the Bluetooth protocol parsing logic. When userland utilities process incoming Bluetooth data streams, the parse_line function attempts to store parsed information into predetermined buffer structures without sufficient length validation. This oversight allows an attacker to craft malicious Bluetooth packets containing oversized data payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite critical program execution flow. The vulnerability specifically affects the BlueZ stack's handling of Bluetooth service discovery and connection establishment processes where userland utilities parse configuration data and service records.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Bluetooth-enabled devices as it enables remote code execution without requiring authentication or physical proximity. An attacker positioned within Bluetooth range can exploit this condition to inject malicious code into the target system, potentially gaining full control over device operations and access to sensitive data. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to encompass potential network-wide exploitation in environments where Bluetooth devices communicate with each other or with central management systems. This vulnerability particularly affects mobile devices, laptops, and IoT devices running affected BlueZ versions, creating widespread exposure across various consumer and enterprise Bluetooth implementations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7837 primarily involve immediate patching of BlueZ implementations to versions containing fixed buffer handling logic. System administrators should prioritize updating all Bluetooth-enabled devices to BlueZ 5.42 or later versions where the buffer overflow has been resolved through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Additional defensive measures include implementing Bluetooth radio disablement when not actively needed, deploying network segmentation to limit Bluetooth communication scope, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect anomalous Bluetooth traffic patterns. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services and implementing strict access controls for Bluetooth device pairing and connection processes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under process injection and privilege escalation categories, emphasizing the critical nature of prompt remediation and comprehensive security posture implementation.