What is the exploit that allows attackers to take control of devices without needing to pair with them?

The correct answer is BlueBorne, an exploit that allows attackers to take control of devices wirelessly without needing to pair them. This attack takes advantage of vulnerabilities in Bluetooth implementations across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. The significant aspect of BlueBorne is that it operates without user interaction, meaning that the targeted device does not need to have Bluetooth pairing established with the attacker's device.

This capability enables an attacker to execute various malicious actions, such as accessing sensitive information, injecting malware, and gaining control of the device itself, all without requiring the user’s consent or awareness. The exploit highlights the importance of keeping Bluetooth software updated and using security measures to protect devices against such vulnerabilities.

Other options point to different Bluetooth-related exploits: Bluejacking allows sending unsolicited messages to Bluetooth-enabled devices, primarily as a form of nuisance rather than control. Bluesnarfing involves accessing information from a Bluetooth-connected device, but it typically requires pairing. Tethering, on the other hand, is a legitimate feature that allows sharing a mobile device's internet connection with another device and does not relate to exploiting vulnerabilities.