CVE-2026-98462
Received Received - Intake

Use-After-Free in Linux Kernel Bluetooth

Publication date: 2026-10-18

Last updated on: 2026-10-18

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: Bluetooth: hci_conn: fix CIS hold ownership on reuse Commit 69997d50ec57 ("Bluetooth: ISO: handle bound CIS cleanup via hci_conn") made hci_bind_cis() and hci_connect_cis() return a connection with one hold for the ISO layer. hci_bind_cis() currently takes that hold only after configuring a CIS, so its BT_CONNECTED and matching BT_BOUND paths return a bare lookup result. Its configuration failure path can likewise call hci_conn_drop() before taking a hold. Take the hold before any state-dependent return or configuration error so every successful return follows the documented ownership contract and every error drop is balanced. hci_connect_cis() also assumes hci_conn_link() always takes a new CIS hold before dropping the one returned by hci_bind_cis(). However, the helper returns an existing link without taking another hold. In that case, preserve the CIS hold for the caller and drop the redundant LE hold because the existing link already owns its parent hold. Returning early also avoids changing an existing CIS back to BT_CONNECT.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-10-18
Last Modified
2026-10-18
Generated
2026-10-18
AI Q&A
2026-10-18
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-98462
EUVD
EUVD-2026-103702

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 6 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
Linux Linux 69997d50ec574be816b4ee8f9cee52ebbd53f8bd
Linux Linux 69997d50ec574be816b4ee8f9cee52ebbd53f8bd
Linux Linux 69997d50ec574be816b4ee8f9cee52ebbd53f8bd
Linux Linux 69997d50ec574be816b4ee8f9cee52ebbd53f8bd
Linux Linux 69997d50ec574be816b4ee8f9cee52ebbd53f8bd
Linux Linux 6.6

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Exploitability

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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the Linux kernel involves incorrect handling of Bluetooth CIS (Connected Isochronous Stream) connections. The issue occurs when the system fails to properly manage ownership of CIS connections during reuse, leading to potential memory leaks or connection state mismanagement.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability could cause Bluetooth connection instability, crashes, or unexpected behavior in systems using affected Linux kernel versions. It may lead to unreliable Bluetooth audio or data transfers.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Linux kernel to the patched version that includes commit 69997d50ec57 to resolve the Bluetooth CIS hold ownership issue.

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