CVE-2020-10370 in BlueZ (Spectra)
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2024
Certain Cypress (and Broadcom) Wireless Combo chips such as CYW43455, when a 2021-01-26 Bluetooth firmware update is not present, allow a Bluetooth outage via a "Spectra" attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-10370 affects specific Cypress Wireless Combo chips including the CYW43455 model and similar Broadcom counterparts. This security flaw represents a significant concern for wireless device manufacturers and end users who rely on Bluetooth connectivity for critical operations. The vulnerability specifically targets devices that have not received the January 26, 2021 Bluetooth firmware update, creating a persistent security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests through what is termed a "Spectra" attack, which exploits weaknesses in the Bluetooth stack implementation within these wireless chips. This attack vector specifically targets the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol handling within the affected hardware, allowing adversaries to disrupt Bluetooth connectivity without requiring physical access to the device. The Spectra attack leverages specific timing and packet manipulation techniques that exploit race conditions and buffer handling issues within the chip's firmware, causing the Bluetooth radio to become unresponsive or completely fail.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for devices that depend on continuous Bluetooth connectivity for their primary functions. The Bluetooth outage can affect critical applications including IoT sensors, wearable devices, automotive systems, and industrial control equipment that rely on wireless communication protocols. The attack can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for devices deployed in field environments where physical security measures may be limited. Organizations using affected devices could experience service disruptions, data loss, or potential safety hazards depending on the application environment.
The vulnerability aligns with several cybersecurity frameworks and attack patterns, including CWE-119 which addresses memory safety issues in firmware implementations, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering and initial access methods. The Spectra attack methodology specifically demonstrates how firmware-level vulnerabilities can be exploited to create denial-of-service conditions that affect the fundamental communication capabilities of wireless devices. This represents a significant concern for the Internet of Things ecosystem where many devices operate with limited security updates and may remain vulnerable for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates for all affected devices, particularly those running the January 26, 2021 Bluetooth firmware revision. Device manufacturers should implement robust firmware update mechanisms and ensure that security patches are automatically deployed to vulnerable systems. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous Bluetooth behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. Regular security audits of wireless infrastructure and implementation of zero-trust network principles can help reduce the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.