CVE-2023-24023 describes a vulnerability in Bluetooth BR/EDR devices, specifically within the Secure Simple Pairing and Secure Connections pairing mechanisms as defined in the Bluetooth Core Specification versions 4.2 through 5.4. This vulnerability allows certain man-in-the-middle attacks that could force a short key length, leading to the potential discovery of the encryption key and live injection, referred to as BLUFFS. The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS score of 6.8, indicating a significant risk to organizations that utilize affected Bluetooth devices.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent exploitation risks. The vulnerability's nature allows attackers to exploit adjacent networks, posing a threat to confidentiality and integrity, albeit with no impact on availability. Given the increasing reliance on Bluetooth technology, understanding and addressing this vulnerability is critical for maintaining secure environments.
The vulnerability was published on November 28, 2023, and is currently classified as modified. It is crucial for organizations to assess their systems for exposure to this vulnerability, particularly those using the specified Bluetooth versions. The potential for exploitation underscores the need for immediate remediation actions.
As of now, no public exploit has been confirmed, but the existence of a proof of concept on GitHub indicates that the vulnerability can be demonstrated, which may lead to further developments in exploitation techniques. Organizations should remain vigilant and monitor any updates regarding this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2023-24023 states that it allows man-in-the-middle attacks due to the forced short key length during the pairing process. The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, with a high attack complexity. Privileges required for exploitation are none, and user interaction is not necessary, making it a critical concern for all organizations using affected Bluetooth devices.
The CVSS score of 6.8 reflects the medium severity of this vulnerability. The high confidentiality and integrity impacts suggest that sensitive data could be compromised if this vulnerability is exploited. The affected products include various versions of the Bluetooth Core Specification as well as multiple Microsoft Windows versions, including Windows 10 and 11, as well as Windows Server editions.
The vulnerability affects Bluetooth Core Specification versions from 4.2 to 5.4. The specific vulnerable Microsoft Windows versions include Windows 10 (1809, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (21H2, 22H2, 23H2), and Windows Server (2019, 2022, 2022 23H2). This broad range of affected products highlights the potential widespread impact of this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient protections in the Bluetooth pairing process, which enables attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks. The attack vector being adjacent means that an attacker must be within close proximity to the targeted device, allowing the potential for exploitation in environments where Bluetooth is widely used.
Given the high complexity of the attack, the exploitation may require specific conditions to be met, but the lack of required privileges and user interaction makes it accessible for attackers with basic capabilities. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated high, with no impact on availability, which indicates that while the system remains operational, sensitive data could be exposed or altered without detection.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk posed by CVE-2023-24023 includes unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential data breaches. Organizations relying on Bluetooth communication must consider the implications of this vulnerability, particularly in sectors where sensitive data is transmitted. The blast radius of this vulnerability can extend to all devices operating under the affected Bluetooth versions, creating a widespread risk.
Organizations should assess the urgency of addressing this vulnerability based on its CVSS score and the potential for exploitation. With a medium severity classification and the absence of confirmed public exploits, the urgency is moderate, and organizations should schedule remediation as part of their patch management processes.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Bluetooth Core Specification include all versions from 4.2 to 5.4. Additionally, specific Microsoft Windows versions are vulnerable, including Windows 10 (1809, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (21H2, 22H2, 23H2), and Windows Server (2019, 2022, 2022 23H2). If version information is missing, organizations should assume that all versions prior to vendor patch are vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize updating affected systems to the latest versions as part of their remediation strategy. Specific patches and updates from Microsoft should be applied to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed effectively. In the absence of immediate patch availability, organizations can implement workarounds such as disabling Bluetooth functionalities where feasible and enforcing strict network controls to limit potential exploit exposure.
Monitoring for abnormal Bluetooth traffic and behaviors can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations may also consider implementing continuous penetration testing as a proactive measure to discover and remediate security weaknesses. For a comprehensive approach, consider integrating security testing into your development lifecycle through penetration testing to validate security postures.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts of CVE-2023-24023, organizations should monitor logs for indicators related to unauthorized Bluetooth connections and any anomalies in normal operational behavior. Network signatures that indicate abnormal Bluetooth traffic patterns should also be analyzed. Additionally, system changes that coincide with unusual Bluetooth communications should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability highlights growing concerns over Bluetooth security, especially as the technology becomes ubiquitous in various devices. The pattern of vulnerabilities related to Bluetooth suggests a need for robust security measures in both device design and operational practices. Security teams should take this opportunity to reevaluate their security architectures in light of such vulnerabilities and ensure that best practices are implemented.
Lessons learned from CVE-2023-24023 include the importance of conducting thorough security assessments of all Bluetooth-enabled devices and the necessity for continuous monitoring in operational environments. Organizations should focus on integrating security protocols and validation efforts into their overall security frameworks. For more detailed guidance on effective security practices, consider reviewing our resources on cloud penetration testing and mobile app penetration testing to enhance your security posture.
As this vulnerability evolves, organizations must stay informed about potential developments and adapt their security strategies accordingly. Engaging in proactive security measures will not only mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability but also strengthen overall organizational resilience.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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