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Are BLUFFS attacks still a vulnerability to the average Bluetooth user? (www.bluetooth.com)

submitted 9 months ago by Rebels_Droppin@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world

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I recalled reading about this at the beginning of this month, I haven't seen any updates on a fix or anything. Figured I'd ponder it with you folks over here.

I have since stopped using most of my Bluetooth devices as a precaution. How real of a threat is this vulnerability? Thanks and sorry if this kind of post is in the wrong spot.

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[–] BearOfaTime@lemm.ee 8 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

Well, since I've not seen any updates to the BT stack, I'd go with yes.

Stopping using BT seems a bit extreme. What's your risk?

I only use BT for listening to music/podcasts. I never allow BT connections to have access to contacts, messages, etc. So the only risk (contacts/messages) is pretty well mitigated (for me). For someone who uses BT for contact sync, messages, calls, etc, there may be greater risk.

And IIRC, BLUFFS is a MITM risk (existing connection can be spoofed because of how a key is managed), so only connect to devices you control, don't allow random connections, leave BT off as much as is reasonable, and perhaps delete/recreate connections occasionally (I think the key gets regenerated on a new connection?).

The most someone would get from my BT is listening to my podcasts.

[–] Rebels_Droppin@lemmy.world 5 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Thanks for responding, I don't necessarily have any risk, but just didn't want to open myself up to anything since I didn't quite understand what information could be taken. Better safe than sorry approach you know?

But good to know that in being selective in permissions can mitigate some issues. I worry about a few family members who are not tech literate at all and use rail travel for work that puts them around people in masse and frivolously give permissions to their devices in different vehicles.

[–] BearOfaTime@lemm.ee 2 points 9 months ago

Yea, "frivolous" is the part that's concerning. Perfect description of how average users approach tech. I'll be borrowing that!

Guess I need to write up something for family and friends, a good summary of BT risks and how to manage it. Sigh.