CVE-2021-21367

Incorrect Authorization in switchboard-plug-bluetooth

Description

Switchboard Bluetooth Plug for elementary OS from version 2.3.0 and before version version 2.3.5 has an incorrect authorization vulnerability. When the Bluetooth plug is running (in discoverable mode), Bluetooth service requests and pairing requests are automatically accepted, allowing physically proximate attackers to pair with a device running an affected version of switchboard-plug-bluetooth without the active consent of the user. By default, elementary OS doesn't expose any services via Bluetooth that allow information to be extracted by paired Bluetooth devices. However, if such services (i.e. contact list sharing software) have been installed, it's possible that attackers have been able to extract data from such services without authorization. If no such services have been installed, attackers are only able to pair with a device running an affected version without authorization and then play audio out of the device or possibly present a HID device (keyboard, mouse, etc...) to control the device. As such, users should check the list of trusted/paired devices and remove any that are not 100% confirmed to be genuine. This is fixed in version 2.3.5. To reduce the likelihood of this vulnerability on an unpatched version, only open the Bluetooth plug for short intervals when absolutely necessary and preferably not in crowded public areas. To mitigate the risk entirely with unpatched versions, do not open the Bluetooth plug within switchboard at all, and use a different method for pairing devices if necessary (e.g. `bluetoothctl` CLI).

Category

6.1
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
CVSS 2.0 •
EPSS 0.14%
Vendor Advisory fedoraproject.org Vendor Advisory fedoraproject.org Vendor Advisory fedoraproject.org
Affected: elementary switchboard-plug-bluetooth
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2021-21367?
CVE-2021-21367 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2021-21367?
To fix CVE-2021-21367, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2021-21367 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2021-21367 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2021-21367?
CVE-2021-21367 affects elementary switchboard-plug-bluetooth.
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