What is BlueBugging?

BlueBugging is an attack in which an attacker exploits Bluetooth on a device to get unauthorized access to the device and manipulate the target device to compromise its security. Attackers often use this technique to track a victim, access his contact list, make calls, send SMS from his device, or do other illegal activities. BlueBugging was first found by German researcher Martin Herfurt in 2004, and since then, it has affected many victims.

The purpose of BlueBugging

Attackers can use this technique for many nefarious purposes. The list below mentions a few of them.

• An attacker can install a backdoor in the target device, especially a mobile phone. And using that backdoor, the attacker can get control over the phone. The attackers can initiate phone calls from the device and eavesdrop on the phone conversations of the victim.
• Attackers can make phone calls or SMS to premium service phone numbers and extract money from the victim.
• The attacker can send SMS from the victim’s device to the attacker and steal sensitive information from the victim.
• Some location-based services use GSM services to track their customers. For that purpose, they need to get some permission on the mobile device. In Bluebugging, the backdoor can give that unauthorized permission to the attacker, and the attacker can track the victim illegally.
• The attacker can collect information about the victim’s contact list and call list and exploit that information.
• The attacker can forward the victim’s calls to the attacker and do other malicious activities.
• The attacker can even change the Network Provider settings of the victim’s mobile device.

How is BlueBugging done?

An attacker first pairs with the victim’s device using Bluetooth. Then, the attacker uses the Bluetooth connection to install a backdoor (What is a backdoor?) on the victim’s device. Now, the backdoor can exploit security vulnerabilities on the device and give unauthorized access to the device to the attacker.