CVE-2022-26528 in Bluetooth Mesh SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2022
Realtek Linux/Android Bluetooth Mesh SDK has a buffer overflow vulnerability due to insufficient validation for the length of segmented packets’ shift parameter. An unauthenticated attacker in the adjacent network can exploit this vulnerability to cause buffer overflow and disrupt service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-26528 resides within the Realtek Linux/Android Bluetooth Mesh SDK, representing a critical buffer overflow flaw that compromises the integrity of Bluetooth mesh network communications. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of segmented packets within the Bluetooth mesh protocol implementation, where the software fails to properly validate the length parameter associated with packet segmentation operations. The affected SDK serves as a foundational component for Bluetooth mesh networking capabilities across various Linux and Android devices, making this flaw particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of Realtek Bluetooth chipsets in consumer and enterprise networking equipment.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Bluetooth mesh packet processing subsystem. When the SDK receives segmented packets, it employs a shift parameter to determine how packet data should be reassembled and processed. The insufficient validation allows an attacker to craft malicious packets with oversized shift parameters that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries. This buffer overflow condition occurs because the system does not properly check whether the shift parameter value falls within acceptable limits before proceeding with the packet reassembly process. The vulnerability manifests as a classic stack-based buffer overflow, where attacker-controlled data overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program state and execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks within the Bluetooth mesh network environment. An unauthenticated attacker positioned within the adjacent network can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code on affected devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's accessibility from adjacent network locations means that attackers do not require physical proximity or complex network infiltration techniques to exploit the flaw. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where Bluetooth mesh networks are deployed without proper network segmentation or security controls. The disruption potential includes denial of service conditions that can affect entire mesh network segments, as well as data integrity compromise that could undermine the security assurances typically expected from Bluetooth mesh implementations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-26528 should prioritize immediate firmware and software updates from Realtek and device manufacturers, as these patches typically address the core validation logic that permits oversized shift parameters. Network administrators should implement strict network segmentation policies to limit adjacent network access to Bluetooth mesh devices and consider deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous packet patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through command injection within the affected system context. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their Bluetooth mesh network infrastructure to identify all potentially affected devices and implement network-wide monitoring for suspicious Bluetooth mesh traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.