Overview
CVE-2024-58101 is a notable security vulnerability discovered in Samsung’s Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds 2 audio devices. These devices, popular among consumers worldwide, are Bluetooth pairable by default, and currently lack an option for users to disable this mode. This vulnerability matters primarily because it allows potential attackers to take over audio playback or even record from the device’s microphone without user consent or notification. With the widespread use of these devices, the risk of system compromise or data leakage is significant and concerning.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2024-58101
Severity: High (8.1 CVSS score)
Attack Vector: Bluetooth
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: Unauthorized access to audio playback and microphone recording
Affected Products
Escape the Surveillance Era
Most apps won’t tell you the truth.
They’re part of the problem.
Phone numbers. Emails. Profiles. Logs.
It’s all fuel for surveillance.
Ameeba Chat gives you a way out.
- • No phone number
- • No email
- • No personal info
- • Anonymous aliases
- • End-to-end encrypted
Chat without a trace.
Product | Affected Versions
Samsung Galaxy Buds | All versions
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 | All versions
How the Exploit Works
The exploit leverages the fact that these devices are Bluetooth pairable by default without requiring user input. An attacker within Bluetooth range can initiate a connection to the device. Once paired, the attacker has control over audio playback and has access to the microphone, allowing for unauthorized listening or recording.
Conceptual Example Code
While this vulnerability does not involve code execution, the exploit could be conceptualized as follows:
# Attacker device discovers vulnerable Bluetooth device
$ bluetoothctl scan on
# Attacker pairs with vulnerable Bluetooth device
$ bluetoothctl pair [device MAC address]
# Attacker connects to vulnerable Bluetooth device
$ bluetoothctl connect [device MAC address]
# Attacker takes over audio playback or starts recording from microphone
$ pacat --record > recording.wavPlease note that this is a conceptual example and not a real exploit command. It’s provided to illustrate the potential approach an attacker might take.
Mitigation Guidance
Samsung is aware of the issue and has classified it as a low severity vulnerability. Users are advised to apply vendor patches, once available. In the interim, using Web Application Firewalls (WAF) or Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) may serve as a temporary mitigation. These can detect and prevent unauthorized Bluetooth connections, thereby minimizing the risk of exploitation.