BlueBorne Vulnerability

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notesgnome

83 posts

Master Geek

#223116 13-Sep-2017 14:51

Looks like a major vulnerability has been revealed in Bluetooth

https://www.armis.com/blueborne/

Synopsis:

BlueBorne is an attack vector by which hackers can leverage Bluetooth connections to penetrate and take complete control over targeted devices. BlueBorne affects ordinary computers, mobile phones, and the expanding realm of IoT devices. The attack does not require the targeted device to be paired to the attacker’s device, or even to be set on discoverable mode. Armis Labs has identified eight zero-day vulnerabilities so far, which indicate the existence and potential of the attack vector.

It appears only our iFriends are safe(ish).

Dynamic

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#1864601 13-Sep-2017 16:19

Wow. This is potentially quite serious. If someone turns this exploit into a viable worm that self-replicates from device to device, a visit to a public place with your smartphone or tablet becomes hazardous.

Windows 7 and above will automatically be patched in the coming weeks.

iOS 10 devices are not vulnerable assuming the users have OK'd iOS updates... but I think anyone with an iPhone 4s and below is vulnerable.

I assume most IoT devices don't have an easy semi-automated patching system, but it may not be worth trying to exploit these unless there is a common code base.

Are Android users still at the mercy of manufacturers and Telcos to roll out updates or does Android now have a centralised patching system?

"4 wheels move the body. 2 wheels move the soul."

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams

BarTender

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#1864603 13-Sep-2017 16:20

Just read this ARS article on it: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/09/bluetooth-bugs-open-billions-of-devices-to-attacks-no-clicking-required/

One word is "ouch" followed by "switch off all your bluetooth"

and

BarTender

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#1864604 13-Sep-2017 16:22

And if you just feel like watching the YouTube videos:

Android:

Linux:

Windows:

and

gished

259 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1864948 14-Sep-2017 09:04

Given that this is a newly discovered exploit how likely would there really be something out in the wild? I'm sure given enough time something would appear but in terms of now and the next couple of weeks or so?

muppet

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#1864956 14-Sep-2017 09:06

My Pixel is just installing the patch for this now.

My old Nexus 6 might not be as lucky.

muppet

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#1864978 14-Sep-2017 09:13

Sorry to reply to myself, but Android users there's a vulnerability scanner app here.

1101

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#1865039 14-Sep-2017 10:24

So, because so many Android phone & tablet Manufacturers abandon mid price devices after release, and NEVER release updates.....(cough cough Samsung)
..Millions of Android users will never see a patch to fix this ?

muppet

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#1865067 14-Sep-2017 10:28

1101:

So, because so many Android phone & tablet Manufacturers abandon mid price devices after release, and NEVER release updates.....(cough cough Samsung)
..Millions of Android users will never see a patch to fix this ?

That's right. Think about all those car head units out there.

I wonder how many Samsung TVs etc are vulnerable to this too. It's a pretty major issue.

As much as I hate Samsung and will never, ever buy another one of their terrible phones, they ARE getting better with security updates. I see that the Galaxy S5, quite an old phone now, got the September patch today.

geocom

558 posts

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#1877371 4-Oct-2017 16:30

Almost a month on now My 1plus5 has finally been patched with the September update.

My Android wear watch is still vulnerable and given how long it took for them to get the Android Wear 2.0 patch out I could be waiting awhile.

This is definitely the one area Android need to get much better at and fast google making the security patches seperate was good but they should have gone much further in forcing manufactures to update quickly.

Geoff E

vyfster

67 posts

Master Geek

#1877381 4-Oct-2017 17:12

My Android phone (Sony Xperia) is just less than 3 years old. I have to turn off bluetooth now because it no longer gets updates and hasn't for some time, otherwise I am left wide open to who knows what kind of attacks. It wasn't a cheap phone at the time ($1k) and there is nothing wrong with it, except that I can no longer use bluetooth if I want to make sure I am not vulnerable to this attack.

Surely I am not being unreasonable to expect a fix for something that, if not patched, will result in me losing functionality that I paid dearly for? Or am I wrong?

Dynamic

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#1877401 4-Oct-2017 18:15

vyfster: My Android phone (Sony Xperia) is just less than 3 years old. I have to turn off bluetooth now because it no longer gets updates and hasn't for some time, otherwise I am left wide open to who knows what kind of attacks. It wasn't a cheap phone at the time ($1k) and there is nothing wrong with it, except that I can no longer use bluetooth if I want to make sure I am not vulnerable to this attack.

Surely I am not being unreasonable to expect a fix for something that, if not patched, will result in me losing functionality that I paid dearly for? Or am I wrong?

I'm wondering whether this is a suitable candidate for a CGA claim...?

"4 wheels move the body. 2 wheels move the soul."

“Don't believe anything you read on the net. Except this. Well, including this, I suppose.” Douglas Adams