CVE-2023-24871 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE • 03/14/2023
Windows Bluetooth Service Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2023
The Windows Bluetooth Service Remote Code Execution Vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within Microsoft Windows operating systems that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the Bluetooth service component of Windows, which is responsible for managing wireless Bluetooth connections and device communications. The flaw exists in the way the Bluetooth service processes certain incoming data packets, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the system remotely without requiring local access or user interaction. The vulnerability impacts multiple Windows versions including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2019 and 2022, making it particularly dangerous due to its widespread presence across enterprise and consumer environments.
The technical root cause of CVE-2023-24871 stems from improper input validation within the Bluetooth service implementation, specifically in how the system handles malformed Bluetooth packets or service discovery requests. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious Bluetooth traffic that, when processed by the vulnerable Windows system, triggers a buffer overflow or memory corruption condition. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities. The flaw occurs during the parsing of Bluetooth service records and advertisement data, where insufficient bounds checking permits attackers to overwrite memory locations that control program execution flow. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at a low system level within the kernel space, providing attackers with elevated privileges and direct access to system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems while maintaining stealth. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance activities within the network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target systems from anywhere within Bluetooth range, potentially compromising devices in public spaces, corporate environments, or even homes. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and T1071.004 for application layer protocol, as attackers can use the compromised system to execute commands and communicate through Bluetooth protocols. The vulnerability also supports lateral movement techniques through T1021.002 for remote services, allowing attackers to use compromised Bluetooth-enabled devices as entry points for broader network infiltration.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations to protect against exploitation of CVE-2023-24871, starting with applying the relevant Microsoft security patches as soon as they become available. System administrators should also consider disabling Bluetooth functionality on systems where it is not required, particularly in high-security environments or critical infrastructure. Network segmentation strategies can help limit the potential impact by isolating Bluetooth-enabled devices from sensitive network segments. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual Bluetooth service activity, malformed service discovery requests, and unexpected Bluetooth connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems with signature matching capabilities specifically designed to detect Bluetooth protocol anomalies can provide early warning of attempted exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both known and emerging threats in wireless communication protocols.