Bluetooth Vulnerabilities: A Growing Concern for Audio Device Security

Bluetooth Vulnerabilities: A Growing Concern for Audio Device Security

Alex Cipher's Profile Pictire Alex Cipher 4 min read

Bluetooth technology, integral to modern audio devices, offers both convenience and potential security risks. Recent discoveries have revealed vulnerabilities in Airoha Bluetooth chipsets, impacting over two dozen audio devices from brands like Beyerdynamic, Bose, Sony, and JBL. These flaws could be exploited for eavesdropping or data theft, posing a significant risk to user privacy (Bleeping Computer). The vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2025-20700, CVE-2025-20701, and CVE-2025-20702, underscore the need for robust security measures in Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Bluetooth Vulnerabilities in Audio Devices

Exploitation of Bluetooth Chipsets

Bluetooth vulnerabilities in audio devices are a growing security concern due to the widespread use of Bluetooth chipsets. A recent report highlights that vulnerabilities in Airoha Bluetooth chipsets, found in over two dozen audio devices from ten vendors, can be exploited for eavesdropping or stealing sensitive information (Bleeping Computer). This includes popular brands such as Beyerdynamic, Bose, Sony, and JBL, affecting products like speakers, earbuds, headphones, and wireless microphones.

Vulnerability Details and Severity

The vulnerabilities in the Airoha systems on a chip (SoCs) are not deemed critical but pose a medium to high severity risk. They have been assigned the identifiers CVE-2025-20700, CVE-2025-20701, and CVE-2025-20702, with severity scores ranging from 6.7 to 7.5 (Bleeping Computer). These vulnerabilities involve missing authentication for GATT services (a protocol for Bluetooth communication) and Bluetooth BR/EDR (Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate), as well as critical capabilities of a custom protocol, potentially allowing attackers to hijack connections and eavesdrop on conversations.

Attack Scenarios and Technical Requirements

Exploiting these vulnerabilities requires significant technical skill and proximity to the target device due to Bluetooth’s range limitations. Despite these constraints, the potential impact is significant, as attackers could impersonate headphones, initiate calls, or spy on users (Bleeping Computer). The complexity of these attacks confines them to high-value targets, such as individuals in sensitive industries or those involved in diplomacy, journalism, or activism.

The vulnerabilities affect millions of devices globally, with specific models from manufacturers such as Sony, JBL, and Bose being particularly susceptible (Heise Online). For instance, the Sony WH-1000XM series, Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds, and JBL Live Buds are among the affected models. The ability to turn these devices into listening stations or read their memory poses a significant privacy threat to users.

Mitigation Efforts and Challenges

In response to these vulnerabilities, Airoha has released an updated SDK with necessary mitigations, and device manufacturers have begun developing and distributing patches (Bleeping Computer). However, implementing these patches is challenging due to the vast number of affected devices and the need for users to update their firmware. Additionally, the lack of comprehensive firmware fixes for some models further complicates mitigation efforts (Cyber Insider).

Emerging Threats and Future Implications

Beyond the current vulnerabilities, new threats such as the BlueSpy vulnerability have emerged, allowing attackers to exploit Bluetooth-enabled devices for remote audio control (Undercode Testing). BlueSpy enables covert audio recording and forced audio playback, highlighting the evolving nature of Bluetooth security threats. As Bluetooth technology continues to be integrated into a wide range of devices, including medical tools and implants, the potential for exploitation increases, necessitating ongoing research and development of security measures (WIRED).

Conclusion

The vulnerabilities in Bluetooth audio devices underscore the importance of robust security measures and timely updates to protect user privacy and data. As new threats continue to emerge, collaboration between manufacturers, researchers, and users is essential to mitigate risks and enhance the security of Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Final Thoughts

The discovery of Bluetooth vulnerabilities in audio devices highlights the critical need for ongoing vigilance and proactive security measures. As manufacturers like Airoha release updates and patches, users must ensure their devices are up-to-date. The emergence of threats like BlueSpy further complicates the landscape, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between manufacturers, researchers, and users to safeguard against evolving threats (Undercode Testing). As Bluetooth technology continues to integrate into various sectors, including healthcare, the potential for exploitation grows, necessitating continuous innovation in security protocols.

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