Bluebugging is a type of Bluetooth® attack that can allow an attacker to view personal data or take control of a device. It can be the most invasive of illicit activities involving Bluetooth® connections and can exploit specific vulnerabilities. Once a target device is bound, bluebugging techniques can take complete control of the device, allowing the attacker to read or download information stored on the phone or send commands.
Bluebugging is a type of attack that can occur using Bluetooth® connections. Once a malicious link is established, an attacker may be able to view personal data or take control of a device. The initial attacks centered on connecting to Bluetooth®-enabled computers, although the focus later shifted to phones. Some bluebugging may require that a previous connection has been established between the two devices, although other techniques can exploit security weaknesses. These attacks are typically limited in range due to the nature of Bluetooth® radios, but booster antennas can be used to take control of devices further away.
Bluetooh® is a wireless protocol that can allow two devices to connect and share information. This type of connection is called pairing and sometimes requires entering a special code into one or both devices. Bluetooth® connections are generally considered somewhat secure due to the pairing mechanism, but several vulnerabilities have been exploited. Bluesnarfing is an activity involving an illicit data connection that is used to read or download private information, while bluejacking is used to place unsolicited advertisements and other messages on devices. Bluebugging can be the most invasive of these activities, as it can be used to actually take control of a device.
The actual bluebugging process can differ from phone to phone because it typically exploits specific vulnerabilities. Some phones have been released with improper Bluetooth® implementations which have facilitated these types of attacks. In other cases, it may be necessary to physically pair the two devices by normal means before an attack can occur. Sometimes it’s also possible for the personal identification number (PIN) of a phone or other device to be compromised through a brute-force attack or other more sneaky means.
After the initial attack causes a target device to bind, bluebugging techniques can take complete control of the device. This type of connection can allow the attacker to read or download information stored on the phone, as occurs with bluesnarfing, or send commands. If a command is sent for the phone to make a call, it will. This can be used to eavesdrop on a conversation if the phone is set up to call the attacker. In other cases, a bluebugging attack can be used to send text messages, set up call forwarding, or perform pretty much any other function the target device is capable of.
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