CVE-2019-9506 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-9506, a Bluetooth BR/EDR vulnerability allowing decryption through brute-force attacks. Discover impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
Bluetooth specifications, including version 5.1, have a flaw that allows for encryption keys of insufficient length, enabling practical brute-force attacks known as "KNOB".
Understanding CVE-2019-9506
This CVE highlights a vulnerability in Bluetooth BR/EDR specifications that can lead to decryption of data through brute-force attacks.
What is CVE-2019-9506?
The flaw in Bluetooth specifications, up to version 5.1, allows attackers to manipulate key length negotiation, leading to decryption of data without detection.
The Impact of CVE-2019-9506
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: Low
- Availability Impact: Low
- Base Score: 7.6 (High Severity)
Technical Details of CVE-2019-9506
Bluetooth BR/EDR specification vulnerability details and affected systems.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in Bluetooth BR/EDR specifications up to version 5.1 permits low encryption key length, enabling practical brute-force attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: Bluetooth
- Product: BR/EDR
- Versions Affected: Up to and including version 5.1
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can influence key length negotiation in Bluetooth specifications, allowing decryption of traffic and injection of arbitrary ciphertext.
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to mitigate the CVE-2019-9506 vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply Bluetooth SIG Expedited Errata Correction 11838
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Bluetooth devices
- Implement strong encryption protocols
- Monitor for any suspicious activity
Patching and Updates
- Check for firmware updates from Bluetooth vendors
- Apply patches to fix the encryption key length vulnerability