What Is Bluebugging?

Date First Published: 11th May 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Data Transmission Technologies

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 5/10

Learn more about what bluebugging is in this article.

Bluebugging is a type of attack where a malicious hacker establishes a backdoor on a user's device, allowing them to take over and gain remote access to a device through a Bluetooth connection.

It is a step beyond bluesnarfing, since unlike that type of attack, where an attacker steals data and information from a device, such as text messages, photos, videos, calendars, emails, and contacts without the user’s permission, a bluebugged device allows an attacker to gain complete control, enabling them to do almost anything on the device, such as sending junk mail, spreading viruses, monitoring phone calls, sending and reading text messages, and accessing private photos and videos.

Note:

The term ‘bluebugging’ is a combination of the terms ‘Bluetooth’ and ‘bugging’. The term ‘bug’ means to secretly listen to or record a conversation through the use of a hidden electronic device. Bluebugging is similar to that as it allows an attacker to gain remote access to a device, which also allows them to secretly spy on and control the user’s screen without their permission. It is also similar to eavesdropping.

How To Prevent Bluebugging?

A device must have a Bluetooth connection turned on and set to discoverable in order for it to be vulnerable to bluebugging. A device that uses an unsecured wireless network, such as in a shop or an airport is much more vulnerable to bluebugging. Bluebugging can be prevented by:

• Turning off discoverable mode and setting the device to ‘hidden’. This will greatly reduce the chance of a device being bluebugged, since compatible Bluetooth devices can be used, but other Bluetooth devices cannot discover them. However, it is possible for Bluetooth devices that are not in discoverable mode to be exploited by certain programs.
• Not connecting or pairing to unknown Bluetooth devices. It might be a device that performs malicious actions, such as collecting sensitive information.

How Does Bluebugging Work?

Bluebugging works in these steps:

1. The device has Bluetooth turned on and set to ‘discoverable’. The attacker will find the device and attempt to connect to the device.
2. Once the connection has been made, the attacker will then use the device for the purposes of installing a backdoor, allowing them to gain complete control over the device and do anything that they want. The attacker’s device is identified as a trusted device in the victim’s device because of the backdoor.

Note:

Bluebugging is often limited, due to the range of Bluetooth connections, which is 10 metres. However, it is possible for an attacker to increase the attack range through the use of a directional antenna.