Bluetooth Vulnerabilities and Security
V Mareeswari, R. Vijayan, Ashish Shukla · 2025
Bluetooth technology, which facilitates wireless communication between Billions of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and Internet of Thing (IoT) devices, is a cornerstone of modern connectivity. Its importance lies in its ability to enable seamless data exchange and interaction across a wide range of applications, from personal gadgets to complex industrial systems. Despite its widespread adoption, Bluetooth is not immune to critical security vulnerabilities. Issues like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) vulnerabilities and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks can overwhelm devices with excessive traffic, while BLE Forced Connection can lead to unauthorized access, and eavesdropping exposes sensitive data being exchanged. We have discussed these vulnerabilities in detail, examining their mechanisms, potential impacts, and various implementation aspects. Additionally, we have added demonstrations to illustrate how these attacks can be executed and the potential consequences. To prevent these threats, we explored essential measures, including regular firmware updates, secure pairing protocols, and careful management of Bluetooth settings. Adopting best practices like disabling Bluetooth when not in use and monitoring connected devices can further enhance security, ensuring the reliable and safe operation of the vast and growing ecosystem of Bluetooth-enabled devices.