CVE-2024-51569
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Apache NimBLE's Bluetooth stack. It allows reading beyond allocated memory boundaries when processing HCI events from a malicious or faulty Bluetooth controller. This affects all Apache NimBLE users through version 1.7.0.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache NimBLE
📦 What is this software?
Nimble by Apache
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Information disclosure through memory read, potential denial of service, or remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
Application crash or denial of service due to invalid memory access.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact due to requirement of malicious Bluetooth controller and low severity rating.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious Bluetooth controller or ability to spoof one, which adds complexity.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.8.0
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/q0vs5rddx1lho30xnpsrvpzgxqmywnhs
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Apache NimBLE version 1.8.0 or later from official sources. 2. Replace existing NimBLE installation with patched version. 3. Rebuild and redeploy any applications using NimBLE. 4. Restart affected services or devices.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth or restrict pairing
linuxDisable Bluetooth functionality or restrict pairing to trusted devices only
systemctl disable bluetooth
bluetoothctl -- power off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth functionality entirely on affected systems
- Implement network segmentation to isolate Bluetooth-enabled devices from critical systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check NimBLE version: grep -r 'NIMBLE_VERSION' in source code or check package manager for installed versionCheck Version:
grep NIMBLE_VERSION_STRING /path/to/nimble/include/nimble/version.hVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 1.8.0 or higher: nimble --version or check source code version defines📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes related to Bluetooth stack
- Memory access violation errors in system logs
- Bluetooth service restarting unexpectedly
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth pairing attempts from unknown devices
- Malformed Bluetooth packets in network captures
SIEM Query:
source="*bluetooth*" AND (event_type="crash" OR error="segmentation fault" OR error="memory access")