CVE-2025-62235
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication in Apache NimBLE by sending specially crafted Security Request packets. An attacker can remove existing secure bonds and force re-bonding with a malicious device, potentially gaining unauthorized access. This affects all users running Apache NimBLE versions through 1.8.0.
💻 Affected Systems
- Apache NimBLE
📦 What is this software?
Nimble by Apache
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) security allowing unauthorized access to devices, data interception, and device impersonation leading to full system compromise.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to BLE-enabled devices, potential data theft, and device impersonation attacks in environments where Bluetooth is used for authentication or control.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if Bluetooth is disabled or restricted to trusted networks only, but still presents authentication bypass risk in BLE communications.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires sending specially crafted BLE packets but does not require authentication. Attackers need proximity or network access to BLE devices.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.9.0
Vendor Advisory: https://lists.apache.org/thread/rw2mrpfwb9d9wmq4h4b6ctcd6gpkk2ho
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Apache NimBLE version 1.9.0 or later from official sources. 2. Replace existing NimBLE installation with patched version. 3. Recompile and redeploy any applications using NimBLE. 4. Restart affected services/devices.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable BLE Bonding
allTemporarily disable Bluetooth Low Energy bonding features to prevent exploitation
# Configuration depends on specific implementation
# Consult NimBLE documentation for bonding disable options
Network Segmentation
allIsolate BLE devices on separate network segments to limit attack surface
# Use firewall rules to restrict BLE traffic
# Implement VLAN segmentation for IoT/BLE networks
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit BLE device exposure
- Monitor for unusual BLE pairing/bonding activity and implement alerting
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check NimBLE version: if version <= 1.8.0, system is vulnerable. Review source code for commit 41f67e391e788c5feef9030026cc5cbc5431838a presence.Check Version:
# Check NimBLE version in source code or compiled binaries
# For embedded systems: check firmware version or consult device documentationVerify Fix Applied:
Verify NimBLE version is 1.9.0 or later. Test BLE bonding functionality to ensure secure pairing cannot be bypassed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed bonding attempts
- Unexpected bond removal events
- Rapid re-bonding with different devices
- Security Request anomalies
Network Indicators:
- Unusual BLE packet patterns
- Spoofed MAC addresses in BLE communications
- Abnormal Security Request packets
SIEM Query:
Example: 'ble AND (bond_removal OR security_request) AND frequency > 5/minute'