CVE-2025-20702: Airoha Bluetooth SDK Privilege Escalation

CVE-2025-20702 Overview

CVE-2025-20702 is a high-severity vulnerability in the Airoha Bluetooth audio SDK that allows unauthorized access to the RACE protocol. This authentication bypass vulnerability could enable remote escalation of privilege without requiring additional execution privileges or user interaction.

The RACE protocol in the Airoha Bluetooth audio SDK fails to properly validate authentication, allowing attackers within adjacent network range to gain unauthorized access to privileged functionality. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function).

Critical Impact

Remote privilege escalation via adjacent network attack without user interaction, potentially compromising Bluetooth audio devices using the Airoha SDK.

Affected Products

• Airoha Bluetooth Audio SDK (specific versions not disclosed)
• Devices implementing the Airoha Bluetooth audio SDK with RACE protocol
• Bluetooth audio hardware utilizing vulnerable Airoha firmware

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-08-04 - CVE-2025-20702 published to NVD
• 2025-08-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-20702

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in the RACE (Remote Access Control Engine) protocol implemented within the Airoha Bluetooth audio SDK. The RACE protocol is designed to provide remote management and control capabilities for Bluetooth audio devices, but the implementation fails to enforce proper authentication checks before granting access to privileged operations.

The vulnerability allows an attacker within adjacent network range (Bluetooth proximity) to interact with the RACE protocol without proper credentials. Once accessed, the attacker can escalate privileges on the affected device, potentially gaining full control over the Bluetooth audio functionality and any associated device capabilities.

The attack requires no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where vulnerable devices are deployed in public or semi-public environments. The lack of required execution privileges means that any attacker within Bluetooth range can potentially exploit this vulnerability.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-20702 is CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function. The Airoha Bluetooth audio SDK's RACE protocol implementation does not properly verify the identity of clients before allowing access to sensitive protocol functions. This missing authentication check enables unauthorized parties to access privileged operations that should be restricted to authenticated users or devices.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is adjacent network-based, specifically through Bluetooth connectivity. An attacker must be within Bluetooth range of a vulnerable device to exploit this vulnerability. The attack flow involves:

1. The attacker positions themselves within Bluetooth range of a target device running the vulnerable Airoha SDK
2. The attacker establishes a Bluetooth connection to the target device
3. The attacker sends specially crafted requests to the RACE protocol endpoint
4. Due to missing authentication, the RACE protocol accepts these requests
5. The attacker gains unauthorized access to privileged functions, achieving privilege escalation

The vulnerability does not require any privileges on the part of the attacker, and no user interaction is needed on the target device, making exploitation straightforward for anyone with physical proximity.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-20702

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected Bluetooth connections from unknown devices to Airoha-based audio equipment
• Unusual RACE protocol traffic patterns or malformed protocol requests
• Unauthorized configuration changes on Bluetooth audio devices
• Anomalous privilege escalation events on embedded Bluetooth devices

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Bluetooth connection logs for connections from unrecognized or unauthorized device addresses
• Implement network-level monitoring for RACE protocol communications on devices where possible
• Deploy firmware integrity checking to detect unauthorized modifications resulting from exploitation
• Enable verbose logging on Bluetooth audio devices to capture authentication attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Establish baseline Bluetooth communication patterns for Airoha SDK devices in your environment
• Configure alerts for new or unexpected Bluetooth device pairings
• Review device logs regularly for signs of unauthorized access or privilege escalation
• Consider implementing Bluetooth monitoring solutions in high-security environments

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-20702

Immediate Actions Required

• Review your device inventory to identify any products using the Airoha Bluetooth audio SDK
• Limit physical access to vulnerable devices to reduce exposure to adjacent network attacks
• Disable Bluetooth functionality on non-essential devices until patches are available
• Contact device vendors to inquire about firmware updates addressing this vulnerability

Patch Information

Airoha has published a security bulletin addressing this vulnerability. Organizations using products built on the Airoha Bluetooth audio SDK should consult the Airoha Security Bulletin 2025 for specific patch information and remediation guidance. Contact your device manufacturer or OEM partner to obtain updated firmware that addresses this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Restrict physical access to areas where vulnerable Bluetooth devices are deployed
• Implement Bluetooth device whitelisting where supported by the hardware
• Consider using Bluetooth signal shielding or reducing transmission power to limit attack range
• Disable the RACE protocol if not required for device functionality (consult vendor documentation)
• Deploy vulnerable devices only in controlled, secure environments until patched firmware is available