CVE-2025-44559 is a vulnerability identified in the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) stack of the Realtek RTL8762E BLE SDK version 1.4.0. This vulnerability allows an attacker within Bluetooth range to trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) condition by sending a specific sequence of crafted control packets to the affected device. The RTL8762E is a widely used BLE SoC (System on Chip) in various IoT devices, wearables, and smart home products. The flaw resides in the BLE stack's handling of control packets, which when manipulated, can cause the device to crash, reboot, or become unresponsive, effectively disrupting its normal operation. Since the attack requires proximity to the target device (Bluetooth range), it does not require network access or user interaction beyond being physically near the device. No authentication is needed to exploit this vulnerability, making it easier for an attacker to execute. As of the publication date, no patches or fixes have been released, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly disclosed and has not yet undergone formal severity assessment. However, the technical details suggest a moderate to high impact on availability due to the DoS effect, while confidentiality and integrity are not directly affected. The scope is limited to devices using the vulnerable BLE stack version, but given the widespread use of Realtek BLE chips, the potential affected base is significant.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be substantial, especially for sectors relying heavily on IoT devices, wearables, and smart infrastructure that incorporate the Realtek RTL8762E BLE chip. Industries such as healthcare (medical wearables), manufacturing (industrial IoT sensors), smart buildings (access control and environmental sensors), and consumer electronics could face operational disruptions. A successful DoS attack could lead to temporary loss of device functionality, impacting business continuity, safety monitoring, or user experience. Although the attack requires physical proximity, it could be exploited in public or semi-public environments like offices, hospitals, or factories. This proximity requirement somewhat limits the attacker's reach but does not eliminate risk, particularly in dense urban areas or facilities with many BLE-enabled devices. Additionally, the lack of authentication in the exploit vector increases the risk of opportunistic attacks. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the public disclosure may prompt attackers to develop exploits. European organizations should be aware of this threat, especially those deploying devices with the affected BLE stack, and prepare to mitigate potential disruptions.

1. Inventory and Identification: Conduct a thorough inventory of all devices using the Realtek RTL8762E BLE SDK v1.4.0 or earlier versions to identify potentially vulnerable assets. 2. Vendor Coordination: Engage with device manufacturers and Realtek to obtain patches or firmware updates addressing this vulnerability. Apply updates promptly once available. 3. Network Segmentation and Physical Security: Restrict physical access to critical BLE-enabled devices, especially in sensitive environments, to reduce the risk of proximity-based attacks. 4. Bluetooth Usage Policies: Implement policies to disable BLE on devices where it is not essential, reducing the attack surface. 5. Monitoring and Detection: Deploy Bluetooth monitoring tools capable of detecting abnormal control packet sequences or unusual BLE activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Incident Response Preparation: Develop and test incident response plans specific to BLE-related DoS events to minimize downtime and operational impact. 7. Alternative Technologies: Where feasible, consider using devices with alternative BLE stacks or chips not affected by this vulnerability until patches are available. These steps go beyond generic advice by emphasizing physical security, active monitoring of BLE traffic, and vendor engagement for timely patching.