Cyber attacks are one of the biggest problems today. Hackers use many techniques to carry out attacks. Many times they exploit vulnerabilities in vulnerable systems . One category of vulnerabilities are those related to Bluetooth . Through them, attackers can gain access to their victims' devices .
Bluetooth is a wireless communication protocol. It is used for easy and fast transfer of files, photos, documents between devices that are located a short distance apart.
However, despite its advantages, also Bluetooth technology has some disadvantages, which are related to the security of user data.
What hacking techniques do attackers use to steal user data, exploiting Bluetooth?
BlueBugging: Used when users leave Bluetooth discoverable by default. Through this technique, hackers can gain access to a mobile phone and do various things, such as listen to conversations, send messages, etc.
Bluesnarfing: Bluesnarfing is considered any unauthorized access or theft of information via Bluetooth. Hackers exploit a vulnerability in Bluetooth using tools such as hcitool and obexftp. This allows them to gain access to various information (e.g. calendar, contacts, emails and messages).
Bluejacking: Hackers send various messages to devicesthat have Bluetooth enabled. It is an attack that is mainly done through text. However, it is possible to use images or even sounds. The Bluejacking technique is relatively harmless, but it causes annoyance to users, as they receive various unwanted messages.
Btlejacking: This is a new technique that allows attackers to jam and take control of any Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device. It exploits the jamming vulnerability CVE-2018-7252 and affects BLE devices with versions 4.0, 4.1, 4.2 and 5. Hackers can exploit the vulnerability if they are within 5 meters.
Two of the most well-known vulnerabilities exploited by hackers are BlueBorne and Bleedingbit. The former was discovered by security researchers in 2017, while the latter in 2018.
