Bluetooth Bug Leaves Windows, Linux, Android Devices Vulnerable

Security researchers created an attack that can access Linux, Android and Windows devices through Bluetooth wireless technology.

Armis researchers called the vulnerability BlueBorne, and it allows an attacker to execute code on a device if Bluetooth is turned on and within 32 feet. The attack takes less than 10 seconds and can be done without a user clicking links or taking any action—the Bluetooth just has to be on, researchers told Ars Technica.

Apple’s iOS 10 wasn’t affected but previous versions were, while Microsoft issued patches, as did Google for the Nougat and Marshmallow versions for the Android OS, Engadget reported. Google’s Android ecosystem, however, relies on many other third-party manufacturers to issue patches too, which have historically has been slow to issue fixes.

As of Tuesday, when Armis researchers publicly disclosed the flaw, they weren’t aware of any Linux patches, they told Engadget.