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Hidden Bluetooth Security Threats and How to Protect Your Devices

 

Bluetooth technology has made wireless connectivity effortless, powering everything from headphones and smartwatches to home automation systems. However, its convenience comes with significant security risks. Many users unknowingly leave their devices vulnerable to cyber threats that can steal personal data, track their movements, or even take control of their devices. 

As Bluetooth technology continues to evolve, so do the techniques hackers use to exploit its weaknesses. One common attack is BlueJacking, where attackers send unsolicited messages to Bluetooth-enabled devices. While generally harmless, this tactic can be used to trick users into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful files. More serious is BlueSnarfing, where hackers gain access to personal data such as contacts, photos, and messages. Devices with weak security settings or outdated software are particularly at risk. 

Another major threat is MAC address spoofing, where attackers disguise their device as a trusted one by imitating its unique Bluetooth identifier. This allows them to intercept communications or gain unauthorized access. Similarly, PIN cracking exploits weak pairing codes, allowing hackers to connect to devices without permission. Once access is gained, they can steal sensitive data or install malicious software. Some attacks involve deception and manipulation. 

BlueBump is a method where an attacker tricks a victim into establishing a trusted Bluetooth connection. By convincing the user to delete a security key, the hacker maintains ongoing access to the device without needing to reauthenticate. BluePrinting is another technique where attackers gather detailed information about a device, including its manufacturer and software version, using its unique Bluetooth address. 

This data can then be used to exploit known vulnerabilities. More advanced threats include BlueBugging, which allows hackers to take full control of a device by exploiting Bluetooth communication protocols. Once inside, they can send messages, make calls, or access stored information without the owner’s knowledge. 

Even more dangerous is BlueBorne, a collection of vulnerabilities that enable attackers to hijack a device’s Bluetooth connection without the need for pairing. This means a hacker can take over a device simply by being within Bluetooth range, gaining complete control and spreading malware. Some attacks focus on overwhelming devices with excessive data requests. 

Bluetooth fuzzing is a technique where attackers send corrupted data packets to a device, causing it to crash or reveal weaknesses in its security protocols. Reflection attacks allow hackers to impersonate a trusted device by intercepting authentication data and using it to gain unauthorized access. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks target Bluetooth-enabled devices by flooding them with requests, causing them to slow down, drain their battery, or crash entirely. 

These disruptions can serve as distractions for more severe data breaches. Protecting against Bluetooth threats requires proactive security measures. One of the simplest steps is to turn off Bluetooth when it’s not in use, reducing exposure to potential attacks. Keeping devices updated with the latest security patches is also crucial, as manufacturers frequently release fixes for known vulnerabilities. 

Setting Bluetooth to “Non-discoverable” mode prevents unauthorized devices from detecting it. Using strong, unique PINs during pairing adds another layer of security, making it harder for attackers to crack the connection. Avoiding unknown pairing requests, regularly reviewing connected devices, and removing unrecognized ones can also reduce risks. 

Additionally, security software can help detect and block Bluetooth-related threats before they cause harm. Bluetooth security is often overlooked, but the risks are real. Taking simple precautions can prevent hackers from exploiting these vulnerabilities, keeping personal data safe from cyber threats.

A New Security Vulnerability Discovered in Bluetooth technology


Two teams of security researchers have discovered a new vulnerability in Bluetooth technology that has been confirmed by The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the bloc responsible for Bluetooth interests. The flaw could potentially allow a hacker to take complete control of a user’s Bluetooth enabled device without authorization.

Bluetooth is a short-range, low powered, high-speed open wireless technology that uses the Internet of Things (IoT) for transmitting fixed and mobile electronic device data. Bluetooth replaces the cables that people conventionally used to connect devices, with an added purpose of keeping the communications secure. However, with convenience and productivity, Bluetooth also presents major security threats.

Devices using the Bluetooth standard 4.0 through 5.0 are vulnerable to a flaw called ‘BLURtooth’ in Cross-Transport Key Derivation (CTKD) - it allows an attacker to manipulate the CTKD component and overwrite authentication keys on the victim’s device. The Bluetooth 5.1 standard released by the Bluetooth SIG in January 2019 contains features that provide security against BLURtooth attacks.

Earlier this year, in May, academics from Italy and Germany identified yet another new type of attack ‘Spectra’, it was reported to break the separation between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth running on the same device. While relying upon the fact that transmissions happen in the same spectrum, the attack works against "combo chips".

In a blog post published on their website, the company told that for CTKD attack to be successful “an attacking device would need to be within wireless range of a vulnerable Bluetooth device supporting both BR/EDR and LE transports that supports CTKD between the transports and permits pairing on either the BR/EDR or LE transport either with no authentication (e.g. JustWorks) or no user-controlled access restrictions on the availability of pairing. If a device spoofing another device’s identity becomes paired or bonded on a transport and CTKD is used to derive a key which then overwrites a pre-existing key of greater strength or that was created using authentication, then access to authenticated services may occur. This may permit a Man In The Middle (MITM) attack between devices previously bonded using authenticated pairing when those peer devices are both vulnerable.”

“The Bluetooth SIG is also broadly communicating details on this vulnerability and its remedies to our member companies and is encouraging them to rapidly integrate any necessary patches. As always, Bluetooth users should ensure they have installed the latest recommended updates from device and operating system manufacturers,” the blog further read.

Security flaw in Bluetooth-enabled devices






A group of security researchers at the Center for IT-Security, Privacy, and Accountability (CISPA) found a flaw that could affect billions of Bluetooth-enabled devices, which includes smartphones, laptops, smart IoT devices, and other devices.

The experts named the vulnerability as CVE-2019-9506 and they tagged it as a KNOB (Key Negotiation of Bluetooth).

According to the researchers, the flaw in Bluetooth’s authentication protocols enables hackers to compromise the devices and spy on data transmitted between the two devices. The astonishing fact about the flaw is that the hackers could exploit this vulnerability even though the devices had been paired before.

However, the KNOB’s official website, every standard-compliant Bluetooth device could be exploited. “We conducted KNOB attacks on more than 17 unique Bluetooth chips (by attacking 24 different devices). At the time of writing, we were able to test chips from Broadcom, Qualcomm, Apple, Intel, and Chicony manufacturers. All devices that we tested were vulnerable to the KNOB attack,” it reads.

Bluetooth SIG has issued a security notice regarding the vulnerability.

  • Conditions for a successful attack:
  • Both the devices have to be vulnerable
  • Both the devices have to be within the range establishing a BR/EDR connection. If any of the devices are not affected by the vulnerability, the attack wouldn’t work
  • Direct transmissions between devices while pairing has to be blocked
  • Existing connections won’t lead to a successful attack — it has to be done during negotiation or renegotiation of a paired device connection


Bluetooth  SIG has started working on updating a remedy for the flaw.