How to remediate – WMI Bluetooth Network Adapter Enumeration

1. Introduction

The WMI Bluetooth Network Adapter Enumeration vulnerability means a Windows host has an enabled Bluetooth network adapter. This allows an attacker with valid credentials to identify its presence, potentially leading to further attacks targeting Bluetooth-enabled devices and services on the network. Affected systems are typically desktop or laptop computers running Windows operating systems. A successful exploit could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data transmitted via Bluetooth.

2. Technical Explanation

This vulnerability occurs because the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service allows enumeration of enabled network adapters, including Bluetooth devices. An attacker with appropriate access can query WMI to determine if a Bluetooth adapter is present and active on a system. There is no CVE associated with this specific enumeration issue; it’s more of an information disclosure risk. An example attack would involve an adversary mapping the network to identify systems with Bluetooth adapters, then attempting further exploitation through known Bluetooth vulnerabilities.

• Root cause: The WMI service exposes enabled network adapter details without sufficient restriction.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker connects to a remote host using valid credentials and uses WMI queries to enumerate the installed network adapters.
• Scope: Windows operating systems with Bluetooth support are affected.

3. Detection and Assessment

• Quick checks: Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc) and expand the “Bluetooth” section to see if any devices are listed.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 139287 can detect this issue, but results should be verified manually.
• Logs and evidence: No specific logs directly indicate this vulnerability; focus on identifying enabled Bluetooth adapters through system inventory tools.

wmic path Win32_NetworkAdapter where "Name like '%Bluetooth%'" get Name, Status

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary solution is to disable the Bluetooth adapter if it’s not required. This reduces the attack surface and prevents information disclosure.

4.1 Preparation

• Dependencies: None. Roll back plan: Re-enable the Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager.
• Change window: Standard change control process may be required, depending on your organisation’s policies.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
2. Step 2: Expand the “Bluetooth” section.
3. Step 3: Right-click on each Bluetooth adapter and select “Disable device”. Confirm the action when prompted.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

wmic path Win32_NetworkAdapter where "Name like '%Bluetooth%'" get Status

After

wmic path Win32_NetworkAdapter where "Name like '%Bluetooth%'" get Status

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice. For example: least privilege, input validation, safe defaults, secure headers, patch cadence. If a practice does not apply, do not include it.

• Practice 1: Least privilege to limit the impact if an attacker gains access.
• Practice 2: Regularly review enabled network features and disable those that are unnecessary.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# PowerShell example to disable Bluetooth adapters
Get-WmiObject Win32_NetworkAdapter | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*Bluetooth*"} | Disable-WmiObject -Force

5. Verification / Validation

• Post-fix check: Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc) and confirm the Bluetooth adapters are listed with a “Disabled” status.
• Re-test: Run wmic path Win32_NetworkAdapter where "Name like '%Bluetooth%'" get Status; no active devices should be reported.
• Smoke test: Verify other network connectivity functions as expected (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi).
• Monitoring: Monitor system inventory reports for unexpected Bluetooth adapter activations.

wmic path Win32_NetworkAdapter where "Name like '%Bluetooth%'" get Status

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type. Use “for example” to keep advice conditional, not prescriptive.

• Baselines: Update security baselines or group policies to disable Bluetooth adapters by default where appropriate.
• Pipelines: Include checks in deployment pipelines to ensure unnecessary network features aren’t enabled.
• Asset and patch process: Review system configurations regularly for unexpected changes.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

• Risk or side effect 1: Disabling Bluetooth may impact devices that rely on it (e.g., wireless mice, headsets).
• Risk or side effect 2: Some applications might not function correctly without a Bluetooth adapter.
• Roll back: 1) Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc). 2) Expand the “Bluetooth” section. 3) Right-click on each disabled adapter and select “Enable device”.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/CIMWin32Prov/win32-networkadapter
• NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable for this specific enumeration issue.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/CIMWin32Prov/win32-networkadapter