CVE-2020-16630 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2020-16630, a vulnerability in TI's BLE stack allowing unauthorized access through fake mobile devices. Find mitigation strategies and security practices to prevent exploitation.
TI's BLE stack vulnerability allows unauthorized access to attributes through a fake mobile device, exploiting the reuse of Long Term Keys (LTKs) with authenticated read/write permissions.
Understanding CVE-2020-16630
This CVE involves a security flaw in TI's BLE stack that enables unauthorized access to sensitive data through a fake mobile device.
What is CVE-2020-16630?
The vulnerability stems from the caching and reuse of Long Term Keys (LTKs) in TI's BLE stack, allowing a fake mobile device to access attributes with authenticated read/write permissions.
The Impact of CVE-2020-16630
The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to sensitive data by exploiting the reuse of LTKs with authenticated read/write permissions, compromising the security of BLE devices based on TI chips.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-16630
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
TI's BLE stack caches and reuses LTKs, allowing a fake mobile device to access attributes with authenticated read/write permissions.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
- A victim mobile device pairs with a BLE device using secure pairing and generates an authenticated-and-MITM-protection LTK.
- A fake mobile device with the victim's MAC address pairs with the BLE device using Just Works, creating an LTK with authenticated read/write permissions.
- The fake mobile device can then access attributes with the authenticated read/write permission.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from this vulnerability by following these mitigation strategies.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Implement secure pairing mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
- Regularly monitor for suspicious activities on BLE devices.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Conduct security assessments and audits regularly to identify and address vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on secure pairing practices and the risks of unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by TI to address the vulnerability and enhance security measures.