CVE-2026-74539
8.0Linux · Kernel
A race condition in the Linux kernel Bluetooth ISO socket implementation allows for unauthorized access due to improper locking during socket name retrieval.
Executive summary
A concurrency vulnerability in the Linux kernel Bluetooth ISO implementation poses a risk of unauthorized access and potential system instability for users of affected kernel versions.
Vulnerability
The vulnerability is caused by a missing lock_sock during the iso_sock_getname function, which allows for improper access to connection structures. This requires an authenticated attacker capable of interacting with Bluetooth sockets.
Business impact
With a CVSS score of 8.0, this flaw represents a significant risk to the security of systems utilizing Bluetooth protocols. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized information disclosure or system instability, potentially allowing an attacker to bypass intended security constraints within the socket layer. The impact is elevated in environments where Bluetooth is used for critical communication or device management.
Remediation
Immediate Action: Update the Linux kernel to version 6.18.44, 7.1.8, or later versions to incorporate the necessary concurrency fixes.
Proactive Monitoring: Monitor system logs for unusual Bluetooth socket activity or crashes related to the networking stack.
Compensating Controls: Minimize the attack surface by disabling unnecessary Bluetooth services and enforcing strict permissions on socket access for non-privileged users.
Exploitation status
Public Exploit Available: Unknown.
Analyst recommendation
The presence of concurrency-based vulnerabilities in the kernel necessitates a consistent patching strategy. Security teams should prioritize updating the Linux kernel to the identified patched versions to prevent potential exploitation of the Bluetooth socket layer.