CVE-2025-44526 is a vulnerability identified in the Realtek RTL8762EKF-EVB RTL8762E SDK version 1.4.0, specifically related to its handling of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data packets. The issue arises from insufficient permission checks on critical fields within these BLE packets, particularly the LL_Length_Req packet type. The LL_Length_Req packet is part of the Link Layer protocol in BLE, used to negotiate the maximum length of data packets between devices. Due to inadequate validation and permission enforcement, an attacker can craft malicious LL_Length_Req packets that exploit this weakness to trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) condition. This DoS could manifest as a crash, reboot, or unresponsiveness of the BLE device or the system relying on the affected SDK. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, as it can be exploited remotely via BLE communication. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the nature of BLE as a wireless protocol makes this vulnerability potentially exploitable by nearby attackers. The affected SDK is used in devices incorporating the Realtek RTL8762E chip, which is commonly found in IoT devices, wearables, and embedded systems that rely on BLE connectivity. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and has not yet been fully assessed for severity or impact scope.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be significant, especially for those deploying IoT devices, wearables, or embedded systems using the Realtek RTL8762E chipset. A successful DoS attack could disrupt device availability, leading to operational downtime, loss of service continuity, and potential safety risks if the devices are part of critical infrastructure or healthcare systems. The wireless nature of BLE means that attackers do not need physical access to the device, only proximity, increasing the attack surface in public or semi-public environments such as offices, factories, or hospitals. This could also lead to cascading effects if BLE devices are integrated into larger networks or control systems, potentially affecting broader organizational operations. Additionally, the inability to perform proper permission checks could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks, where DoS is used as a distraction or to degrade defenses. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability details become widely known.

Organizations should first identify all devices and systems using the Realtek RTL8762E chipset and the affected SDK version 1.4.0. Since no patch links are currently available, it is critical to engage with Realtek or device vendors for updates or firmware patches addressing this vulnerability. In the interim, organizations should implement BLE communication controls such as limiting BLE device discoverability and pairing to trusted devices only. Deploying BLE monitoring tools to detect anomalous LL_Length_Req packets or unusual BLE traffic patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Physical security measures to restrict attacker proximity to BLE devices should be enhanced, especially in sensitive environments. Network segmentation and isolation of BLE-enabled devices from critical IT infrastructure can reduce the impact of a successful DoS. Additionally, organizations should update their incident response plans to include BLE-related attack scenarios and ensure rapid response capabilities. Finally, maintaining up-to-date inventories of BLE devices and their firmware versions will facilitate timely remediation once patches become available.