CVE-2021-25424 in Tizen
Summary
by MITRE • 06/11/2021
Improper authentication vulnerability in Tizen bluetooth-frwk prior to Firmware update JUN-2021 Release allows bluetooth attacker to take over the user's bluetooth device without user awareness.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2021
The CVE-2021-25424 vulnerability represents a critical authentication flaw within the Tizen bluetooth-frwk component that affected devices prior to the June 2021 firmware release. This vulnerability resides in the Bluetooth framework implementation of the Tizen operating system, which is utilized in various Samsung smart devices including smartwatches, tablets, and smartphones. The flaw specifically manifests in the authentication mechanisms that govern Bluetooth device pairing and connection processes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system without proper user consent or awareness. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the core of wireless communication security, where the integrity of device authentication is paramount for maintaining user privacy and device control.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of authentication credentials during the Bluetooth pairing process within the Tizen framework. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform unauthorized device takeover by exploiting the improper handling of authentication tokens and connection state management. The flaw allows adversaries to establish connections with target devices without requiring legitimate user interaction or explicit authorization, effectively bypassing the standard Bluetooth security protocols that should prevent such unauthorized access. This weakness is categorized under CWE-287 Improper Authentication, which specifically addresses issues where systems fail to properly verify the identity of users or devices attempting to access protected resources. The vulnerability operates at the system level within the Bluetooth stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during both initial pairing and ongoing connection scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-25424 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables comprehensive control over affected devices through the Bluetooth interface. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially gain persistent access to the device, monitor communications, execute arbitrary commands, and access sensitive data stored on the device. The lack of user awareness during exploitation means that victims remain oblivious to the compromise, making detection extremely difficult and allowing for prolonged unauthorized access periods. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1046 Network Service Scanning and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers can use the compromised Bluetooth connection to establish covert communication channels and exfiltrate data. The attack surface is particularly large given the widespread use of Tizen-based devices in consumer electronics, creating numerous potential targets for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the June 2021 release or later versions that contain the necessary authentication fixes. Organizations and individuals should prioritize updating all affected Tizen devices to ensure proper authentication mechanisms are restored. Network administrators should implement Bluetooth access controls and monitor for unusual connection patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure Bluetooth implementation practices and proper authentication protocols in embedded systems. Security measures should include regular firmware updates, network segmentation to limit Bluetooth exposure, and monitoring for unauthorized device connections. Additionally, device manufacturers should consider implementing additional authentication layers beyond standard Bluetooth protocols to provide defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process must also include proper security testing of Bluetooth implementations to identify potential authentication bypass opportunities before deployment in production environments.