CVE-2018-14934 in TriO
Summary
by MITRE
The Bluetooth subsystem on Polycom Trio devices with software before 5.5.4 has Incorrect Access Control. An attacker can connect without authentication and subsequently record audio from the device microphone.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14934 represents a critical access control flaw within the Bluetooth subsystem of Polycom Trio communication devices. This issue affects devices running software versions prior to 5.5.4, creating a significant security gap that allows unauthorized individuals to establish connections without proper authentication credentials. The flaw fundamentally undermines the device's security architecture by permitting unauthenticated access to sensitive audio capture capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the Bluetooth protocol stack of the affected Polycom Trio devices. When an attacker successfully connects to the device via Bluetooth, they bypass the normal authentication procedures that should prevent unauthorized access. This misconfiguration creates a persistent backdoor that remains active until the device is properly updated or rebooted. The vulnerability specifically targets the device's microphone access control, enabling attackers to record audio without any user consent or knowledge.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents severe implications for organizations relying on Polycom Trio devices for secure communications. The ability to record audio without authentication creates opportunities for eavesdropping, surveillance, and data theft in conference rooms, boardrooms, and other sensitive environments where these devices are commonly deployed. The attack vector is particularly concerning because Bluetooth connections can be established from relatively close distances, making physical proximity sufficient for exploitation. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of confidentiality and integrity, as unauthorized parties can capture audio communications in real-time.
The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as this vulnerability can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within corporate networks. Once connected, attackers can potentially escalate their privileges, access additional network resources, or use the device as a pivot point for further infiltration. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1046 for network service scanning and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unauthorized Bluetooth connections as additional defensive measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14934 require immediate software updates to version 5.5.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to correct the access control implementation. Network administrators should also implement Bluetooth disablement policies in sensitive areas where these devices are deployed, particularly in executive offices, legal departments, and other locations where confidentiality is paramount. Regular security assessments should verify that all Polycom Trio devices have been properly updated and that no unauthorized Bluetooth connections are occurring. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network monitoring tools that can detect and alert on suspicious Bluetooth activity to provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.