CVE-2026-46275

Linux · Kernel

A Use-After-Free and Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth hci_uart driver due to improper lifecycle management during initialization and termination.

Executive summary

Race conditions in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth hci_uart driver can lead to Use-After-Free or Null Pointer Dereference, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution.

Vulnerability

This is a concurrency-related vulnerability involving the hci_uart module. The flaw stems from race conditions during the close and init paths, which can be triggered by a local attacker to manipulate memory states.

Business impact

The ability to trigger UAF or NPD conditions in the kernel is a critical security concern. With a CVSS score of 7.8, this flaw could be exploited to crash the kernel or execute unauthorized code with elevated privileges, severely compromising the security of the host system.

Remediation

Immediate Action: Apply the vendor-provided kernel patch that addresses race conditions in the Bluetooth subsystem.

Proactive Monitoring: Review system logs for Bluetooth-related driver errors and frequent service restarts, which might indicate exploitation attempts.

Compensating Controls: Disable the Bluetooth subsystem if it is not strictly required for business operations to reduce the attack surface.

Exploitation status

Public Exploit Available: false

Analyst recommendation

Given the potential for code execution and the complexity of race condition vulnerabilities, immediate patching is advised. Systems utilizing Bluetooth connectivity should be audited and updated as a matter of urgency to prevent potential exploitation.