CVE-2017-8628 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Bluetooth Driver in Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703 allows a spoofing vulnerability due to Microsoft's implementation of the Bluetooth stack, aka "Microsoft Bluetooth Driver Spoofing Vulnerability".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The Microsoft Bluetooth Driver Spoofing Vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within the Windows operating system Bluetooth stack implementation that affects multiple versions including Windows Server 2008 SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and various Windows 10 releases. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the Bluetooth driver's handling of device identification and authentication processes, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system through unauthorized device impersonation. The flaw specifically manifests in how the Bluetooth stack processes device discovery and connection requests, allowing attackers to manipulate device identification information during the pairing and connection phases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the driver's failure to properly validate Bluetooth device addresses and identification parameters during connection establishment. When a Bluetooth device attempts to connect to a Windows system, the driver should verify the authenticity of the device's MAC address and other identifying characteristics against established trust mechanisms. However, the vulnerable implementation allows for spoofing attacks where an attacker can present false device identification information that the system accepts as legitimate. This weakness operates at the protocol level within the Bluetooth stack, specifically affecting the authentication and pairing procedures that should normally prevent unauthorized device access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device impersonation to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including man-in-the-middle scenarios, unauthorized data access, and privilege escalation opportunities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish connections with systems without proper authorization, potentially gaining access to sensitive information or services that would normally require legitimate device authentication. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as the spoofing mechanism allows attackers to maintain unauthorized access sessions without detection. Organizations running affected systems face significant risk of unauthorized access to Bluetooth-enabled devices and services, particularly in environments where wireless connectivity is prevalent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application from Microsoft, as the primary solution involves updating the affected Bluetooth drivers with proper validation mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the relevant security updates and patches released by Microsoft to address the spoofing implementation flaws. Additional defensive measures include implementing Bluetooth device whitelisting policies, configuring proper access controls for Bluetooth services, and monitoring Bluetooth connection logs for suspicious activity. Network segmentation and wireless access control measures can further reduce the attack surface by limiting Bluetooth connectivity to trusted environments. Organizations should also consider disabling Bluetooth functionality on systems where it is not required, as outlined in the principle of least privilege. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a significant concern for organizations implementing wireless security controls under the ATT&CK framework's credential access and lateral movement tactics.