In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: Bluetooth: hci_sync: Fix advertising data UAFs hci_find_adv_instance() returns a...
Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: Bluetooth: hci_sync: Fix advertising data UAFs hci_find_adv_instance() returns an adv_info pointer that is valid only while hdev->lock is held
AI Analyst Comment
Remediation
Apply vendor security updates immediately. Monitor for exploitation attempts and review access logs.
---METADATA---
VENDOR: Linux
PRODUCT: Kernel
AFFECTED_VERSIONS: 5.15.210 up to 5.16, and various development branches prior to 6.12.103, 6.18.44, 7.1.8
CONFIDENCE: high
MISSING: none
---END_METADATA---
Description Summary:
A Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel Bluetooth hci_sync component due to improper locking when accessing advertising data.
Executive Summary:
A critical use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel Bluetooth stack allows an adjacent attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause a kernel panic.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-ID: CVE-2026-74509
Affected Software: Linux Kernel
Affected Versions: Versions prior to 6.12.103, 6.18.44, and 7.1.8.
Vulnerability: The hci_find_adv_instance function returns a pointer to advertising data that is only valid while the hdev lock is held, leading to a UAF condition if accessed subsequently. The attacker is unauthenticated.
Business Impact
This vulnerability poses a severe risk to system stability and security. With a CVSS score of 8.8, exploitation could result in full system compromise, allowing an attacker to bypass security controls or crash the host system.
Remediation Plan
Immediate Action: Apply the latest security patches provided by your Linux distribution, ensuring the kernel is updated to at least 6.12.103, 6.18.44, or 7.1.8.
Proactive Monitoring: Review system logs for memory-related errors or kernel panics related to the Bluetooth stack.
Compensating Controls: If patching is delayed, restrict Bluetooth connectivity to trusted devices and disable the Bluetooth service where possible.
Exploitation Status
Public Exploit Available: No
Analyst Notes: As of August 17, 2026, there is no public information indicating active exploitation or a public proof-of-concept for this vulnerability. The issue arises from a race condition in the Bluetooth synchronization logic.
Analyst Recommendation
Given the potential for kernel-level memory corruption, it is imperative that organizations patch their Linux infrastructure immediately. Priority should be given to systems where Bluetooth is enabled and exposed to untrusted environments.