CVE-2016-9800 in BlueZ
Summary
by MITRE
In BlueZ 5.42, a buffer overflow was observed in "pin_code_reply_dump" function in "tools/parser/hci.c" source file. The issue exists because "pin" array is overflowed by supplied parameter due to lack of boundary checks on size of the buffer from frame "pin_code_reply_cp *cp" parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9800 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the BlueZ Bluetooth protocol stack version 5.42. This flaw manifests in the pin_code_reply_dump function located within the tools/parser/hci.c source file, where the software fails to properly validate input parameters before processing them. The issue specifically arises from insufficient boundary checking mechanisms that would normally prevent data from exceeding allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects the core Bluetooth communication infrastructure that underpins numerous wireless devices and systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the pin_code_reply_cp structure parameter within the pin_code_reply_dump function. When the system processes a PIN code reply command, it attempts to copy data into a fixed-size pin array without verifying that the incoming data length matches the allocated buffer size. This classic buffer overflow scenario occurs because the code does not perform adequate input validation or size checking before executing memory copy operations. The absence of proper bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Bluetooth-enabled systems that utilize BlueZ 5.42 or earlier versions. The buffer overflow could be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially compromising the entire Bluetooth communication stack. The impact extends beyond simple system crashes to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers could gain elevated system access. Systems running on Linux distributions or embedded platforms that rely on BlueZ for Bluetooth functionality are particularly vulnerable, as the flaw exists in the core protocol parsing components that handle all Bluetooth communication requests.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes the classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to BlueZ versions that contain the patched pin_code_reply_dump function, implementing input validation controls, and deploying network segmentation measures to limit exposure. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual Bluetooth communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls and runtime application protection mechanisms to reduce the attack surface and prevent successful exploitation of this vulnerability.