CVE-2023-24023 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in Bluetooth BR/EDR devices with Secure Simple Pairing and Secure Connections pairing in Bluetooth Core Specification 4.2 through 5.4. The vulnerability allows for certain man-in-the-middle attacks that can force a short key length, potentially leading to the discovery of the encryption key and live injection, also known as BLUFFS.

Understanding CVE-2023-24023

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-24023, highlighting its impact and implications.

What is CVE-2023-24023?

The vulnerability in Bluetooth BR/EDR devices with Secure Simple Pairing and Secure Connections pairing enables specific man-in-the-middle attacks that can manipulate key lengths, potentially revealing encryption keys and facilitating live injection. This vulnerability is identified as BLUFFS.

The Impact of CVE-2023-24023

The impact of CVE-2023-24023 is significant as it opens the door for malicious actors to intercept and manipulate communication between Bluetooth devices that use the affected pairing mechanisms. This can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of data exchanged over the Bluetooth connection.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-24023

Understanding the technical aspects of CVE-2023-24023 is crucial for implementing effective mitigation strategies and securing affected systems.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Bluetooth BR/EDR devices with Secure Simple Pairing and Secure Connections pairing allows for man-in-the-middle attacks that exploit weaknesses in key length enforcement. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data exchanged over Bluetooth connections.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Bluetooth devices utilizing Secure Simple Pairing and Secure Connections pairing in Bluetooth Core Specification versions 4.2 through 5.4. This includes a wide range of devices that rely on these specific Bluetooth specifications for communication.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by executing man-in-the-middle attacks to manipulate key length parameters during the pairing process. By forcing a shorter key length, attackers can potentially decrypt and inject data into the Bluetooth communication stream, compromising its security.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking proactive steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-24023 is essential to safeguard sensitive data and maintain the security of Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable Bluetooth on devices where it is not essential to minimize exposure to potential attacks.
Implement security best practices such as using secure pairing mechanisms and avoiding public or untrusted Bluetooth connections.
Regularly monitor for any unusual Bluetooth activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Bluetooth device manufacturers to address the vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks associated with Bluetooth vulnerabilities and advise them on safe Bluetooth usage practices.
Consider implementing additional security measures such as encryption and authentication protocols to enhance Bluetooth security.

Patching and Updates

Keep an eye on updates from Bluetooth device vendors and apply patches promptly to address the CVE-2023-24023 vulnerability. Upgrading affected devices to versions of the Bluetooth Core Specification beyond 5.4, where the vulnerability is remedied, is crucial in ensuring the security of Bluetooth communication.