CVE-2026-44634 in SimpleBLE
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2026
SimpleBLE is a cross-platform library and bindings for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Prior to version 0.14.0, there are multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities in SimpleBLE. There is a stack overflow vulnerability in the dongl backend’s Protocol::simpleble_write function (local, caller-controlled input). A stack overflow vulnerability when processing manufacturer-specific data in BLE advertisements (remote, no pairing or connection required). Lastly, a stack overflow vulnerability when processing service data in BLE advertisements (remote, no pairing or connection required). This issue has been patched in version 0.14.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2026
The SimpleBLE library presents a critical security landscape characterized by multiple stack-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities that collectively undermine the security posture of Bluetooth Low Energy implementations. These vulnerabilities exist within the library's handling of various BLE advertisement data types and represent significant attack surface areas that could be exploited by malicious actors without requiring any form of authentication or connection establishment. The presence of these flaws across different functional components of the library demonstrates a systemic weakness in input validation and memory management practices. The vulnerabilities affect versions prior to 0.14.0 and have been addressed through the release of the patched version, highlighting the importance of timely security updates in embedded and IoT systems.
The first vulnerability manifests in the dongl backend's Protocol::simpleble_write function where a stack-based buffer overflow occurs due to local, caller-controlled input. This flaw represents a classic buffer overflow scenario where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability's classification as caller-controlled indicates that an external entity can directly influence the input parameters, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the library interfaces with untrusted data sources. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions. The attack vector here is relatively straightforward since the malicious input originates from the calling application rather than from external network sources.
The second and third vulnerabilities occur during the processing of manufacturer-specific data and service data within BLE advertisements respectively. These stack overflows are particularly concerning because they operate in remote attack scenarios where no pairing or connection is required, meaning that adversaries can exploit these flaws simply by transmitting specially crafted advertisement packets. This characteristic transforms these vulnerabilities into highly accessible attack vectors that could be leveraged by attackers in close proximity to target devices or even through network-based attacks targeting BLE-enabled systems. The remote nature of these vulnerabilities aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of "Exploitation for Client Execution" where adversaries can execute malicious code through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities without requiring physical access or complex authentication mechanisms. These flaws demonstrate the inherent risks associated with processing untrusted network data without proper input sanitization.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond immediate exploitation potential to encompass broader security implications for IoT and embedded systems that rely on SimpleBLE for Bluetooth connectivity. Organizations deploying devices using affected versions of the library face potential risks including unauthorized access, data breaches, device compromise, and denial of service conditions. The vulnerabilities affect the fundamental security properties of BLE implementations, potentially allowing attackers to gain control over device operations or extract sensitive information from memory regions. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that these attacks can be executed at scale without significant barriers, making them particularly attractive to threat actors targeting IoT ecosystems. System administrators and security professionals must prioritize the immediate deployment of the patched version 0.14.0 to mitigate these risks and protect their deployed infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for these vulnerabilities should include immediate patch deployment to version 0.14.0 or later, followed by comprehensive security assessments of systems utilizing SimpleBLE. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous advertisement traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include input validation at multiple layers, memory safety enhancements, and regular security audits of Bluetooth-enabled systems. The vulnerabilities highlight the importance of applying security patches promptly and maintaining up-to-date dependencies in IoT deployments. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that no regressions or compatibility issues arise in existing deployments.