PSA: Bluetooth vulnerability and PS3 Controllers on Linux in 2024
In late 2023 a Bluetooth vulnerability CVE-2023-45866 was discovered and patched in Bluez. By now, this vulnerability should be fixed on all Linux distributions. The fix has one compatibility implication: support for insecure legacy devices is now disabled by default. The Sony PlayStation 3 Controller (AKA DualShock 3 or DS3) is probably the most notable device affected by this change.
What to do if you have a PS3 Controller
The PS3 Controller should still be plug-and-play on Linux when used wired, this change only affects wireless use.
Wireless use is now disabled by default. It should still be possible to use the controller wirelessly with a configuration change, but that will make your PC vulnerable when Bluetooth is in discoverable mode — that’s when you’re pairing a device; in GNOME that’s when you just have the Bluetooth settings open; easy to have on by accident.
It’s painful for me to say this (I own several PS3 Controllers), but the DS3 is reaching its end-of-life, and we should start to consider moving on from it as a gamepad for PC.
How to re-enable Bluetooth support for the PS3 Controller
This is insecure: It will make your PC an easy target for remote code execution attacks from anyone in close proximity whenever your Bluetooth is in pairing/discoverable mode. It’s usually hard to notice when Bluetooth is in discoverable mode, and it’s very easy to accidentally leave it on. You have been warned.
TL;DR: The following commands should do it, tested on Fedora 39:
sudo sed -Ei~ -e 's/^#ClassicBondedOnly=.*/ClassicBondedOnly=false/' /etc/bluetooth/input.conf
sudo systemctl restart bluetooth
Long version: Use the configuration file at /etc/bluetooth/input.conf, under the [] section, add the option ClassicBondedOnly=false, then restart the bluetooth service or reboot the computer. Your config file should look like the following:
# Configuration file for the input service
# This section contains options which are not specific to any
# particular interface
[General]
# Set idle timeout (in minutes) before the connection will
# be disconnect (defaults to 0 for no timeout)
#IdleTimeout=30
# Enable HID protocol handling in userspace input profile
# Defaults to false (HIDP handled in HIDP kernel module)
#UserspaceHID=true
# Limit HID connections to bonded devices
# The HID Profile does not specify that devices must be bonded, however some
# platforms may want to make sure that input connections only come from bonded
# device connections. Several older mice have been known for not supporting
# pairing/encryption.
# Defaults to true for security.
ClassicBondedOnly=false
# LE upgrade security
# Enables upgrades of security automatically if required.
# Defaults to true to maximize device compatibility.
#LEAutoSecurity=true
I’m posting this PSA on [email protected] and [email protected]. Please forward this message to other interested Linux communities.
Do you have recommendations for a new controller? I’ve been looking at 8bitdos: https://www.8bitdo.com/ultimate-2.4g-wireless-controller/
I think its best to move past bluetooth, if we can. I dont think it was ever a great protocol. But things like phones can’t always have dongles either, so it’s necessary.
@rutrum @jntesteves I have that controller. It’s the best controller I’ve used — I greatly prefer it to my Series X controller.
The back paddle buttons don’t work for me with SteamInput in XInput mode though. Reading around, I think that’s independent of Linux and a limitation of the firmware on them though.
I am very happy with the 8bitdo Pro 2 and the Gulikit King Kong 2 The dpad is a similar diameter but feels more rigid.
For the 8bitdo: The 4 buttons are spaced a bit further, and the buttons have a more prominent corner on them. All of the buttons have a satisfying action and travel. I like that the battery is easily removed.
Only wishlist item would be for hall joysticks.
The Gulikit King Kong 2:
Feels like a very high quality Xbox styled controller. I am wary of the shoulder buttons of Xbox styled controllers but these do feel like a different type of switch internally so maybe it’ll last longer.
Both Bluetooth and BLE are perfectly fine protocols. You won’t be able to design much for short distance with that much power savings otherwise. The main issue is that for any protocols like this you would most likely need to put it in the 2.4ghz unlicensed band. And that’s predominantly used by wifi these days.
I have the version of this controller with the Nintendo button layout. I like it, but steam refuses to see it as anything other than a standard x box controller. I’m sure I could solve that, but I’m lazy and it works well enough as it is.