CVE-2025-44531 is a vulnerability identified in the Realtek RTL8762EKF-EVB RTL8762E SDK version 1.4.0, which affects the Bluetooth connectivity stack of devices using this SDK. The flaw arises during the Bluetooth pairing process, specifically before the pairing public key is received. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted message or packet at this stage, which triggers a Denial of Service (DoS) condition. This DoS likely causes the affected device or Bluetooth module to crash, hang, or become unresponsive, thereby disrupting normal Bluetooth operations. The vulnerability targets the early phase of the Bluetooth connection attempt, which is critical for establishing secure communication channels. Since the issue is in the SDK, any device or product integrating this SDK version for Bluetooth functionality is potentially vulnerable. The lack of a CVSS score and absence of known exploits in the wild suggest this is a newly disclosed vulnerability with limited public exploitation information. However, the impact is significant in environments relying on Bluetooth connectivity for critical functions. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction beyond the initiation of a Bluetooth connection attempt, making it easier for attackers within wireless range to exploit. The scope is limited to devices using the specific Realtek SDK version 1.4.0, but given Realtek's widespread use in IoT devices, wearables, and embedded systems, the affected surface could be broad. No patches or mitigations have been officially published at the time of disclosure, increasing the urgency for affected vendors and users to monitor for updates and apply security controls.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be considerable, especially for sectors relying heavily on Bluetooth-enabled devices such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and smart building management. A successful DoS attack could disrupt critical operations by disabling Bluetooth communications, leading to loss of device availability and potential operational downtime. In healthcare, for example, devices like patient monitors or wearable health trackers using the vulnerable SDK could be rendered non-functional, risking patient safety. In industrial environments, Bluetooth-enabled sensors and controllers could be incapacitated, affecting automation and monitoring systems. The vulnerability also poses risks to consumer electronics manufacturers and enterprises deploying Bluetooth peripherals for secure access or data exchange. Although the attack does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the loss of availability can have cascading effects on business continuity and safety. Additionally, the ease of exploitation without authentication or user interaction increases the threat level in densely populated or public environments where attackers can be in proximity. The lack of known exploits currently limits immediate widespread impact, but the potential for targeted attacks remains high, particularly against high-value or strategically important assets.

Given the absence of official patches, European organizations should implement several practical mitigations: 1) Inventory and identify all devices using the Realtek RTL8762E SDK version 1.4.0 to assess exposure. 2) Where feasible, disable Bluetooth functionality on devices not requiring it to reduce attack surface. 3) Implement network segmentation and physical security controls to limit attacker proximity to vulnerable Bluetooth devices, such as restricting access to sensitive areas and using RF shielding where appropriate. 4) Monitor Bluetooth traffic for anomalous connection attempts or malformed packets indicative of exploitation attempts using specialized Bluetooth security tools or IDS/IPS systems with Bluetooth protocol awareness. 5) Engage with device vendors and Realtek for timely updates and patches, and plan for rapid deployment once available. 6) For critical systems, consider fallback or redundant communication methods to maintain availability during potential DoS events. 7) Educate staff on the risks of Bluetooth-based attacks and enforce policies limiting unauthorized Bluetooth device usage in sensitive environments. These targeted measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific characteristics of the vulnerability and the operational context of affected devices.