What is bluebugging in cybersecurity, and how does it let attackers gain remote control over Bluetooth devices? Learn how bluebugging enables unauthorized access, message sending, and call manipulation—key knowledge for CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam success.
Table of Contents
Question
An attacker exploits a Bluetooth vulnerability to gain remote access to a victim’s phone and send messages without their consent. What type of attack is this?
A. Bluejacking
B. Bluesnarfing
C. Bluebugging
D. RFID cloning
E. SIM hijacking
Answer
C. Bluebugging
Explanation
Bluebugging allows attackers to fully control a device via Bluetooth, including sending messages and initiating calls.
The attack where an attacker exploits a Bluetooth vulnerability to gain remote access to a victim’s phone and send messages without their consent is called bluebugging.
Bluebugging is a Bluetooth-based attack that allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access and control over a victim’s device, typically a smartphone, by exploiting vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth protocol or its configuration.
Once bluebugging is successful, the attacker can perform a wide range of actions remotely, including reading and sending messages, making or forwarding calls, accessing contacts, and even listening in on conversations—all without the victim’s knowledge.
This attack is distinct from bluejacking (which only sends unsolicited messages) and bluesnarfing (which focuses on stealing data); bluebugging goes further by granting the attacker full control over device functions.
The attack typically requires the victim’s device to have Bluetooth enabled and be discoverable. The attacker pairs with the device and installs malware or exploits the Bluetooth stack to maintain persistent access.
Bluebugging can be prevented by keeping Bluetooth off when not in use, making devices non-discoverable, and keeping device software up to date to patch known vulnerabilities.
Bluebugging enables attackers to remotely control a device via Bluetooth, including sending messages, making calls, and accessing sensitive data, by exploiting Bluetooth vulnerabilities.
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