CVE-2026-31773: Bluetooth: SMP: derive legacy responder STK authentication from MITM state

Published May 1, 2026
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

Bluetooth: SMP: derive legacy responder STK authentication from MITM state

The legacy responder path in smprandom() currently labels the stored STK as authenticated whenever pendingseclevel is BTSECURITYHIGH. That reflects what the local service requested, not what the pairing flow actually achieved.

For Just Works/Confirm legacy pairing, SMPFLAGMITMAUTH stays clear and the resulting STK should remain unauthenticated even if the local side requested HIGH security. Use the established MITM state when storing the responder STK so the key metadata matches the pairing result.

This also keeps the legacy path aligned with the Secure Connections code, which already treats JUSTWORKS/JUSTCFM as unauthenticated.

Affected Software

16 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=3.15.5<3.16
Linux Linux kernel>=3.16.1<5.10.253
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.203
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.168
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.134
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.81
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.22
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<6.19.12
Linux Linux kernel=3.16
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc6

Event History

May 1, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:15 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:15 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-31773?

CVE-2026-31773 is classified as a moderate severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel affecting Bluetooth authentication.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-31773?

To fix CVE-2026-31773, update your Linux kernel to the latest version that contains the patch addressing this vulnerability.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-31773?

CVE-2026-31773 affects Linux kernel versions prior to the fix that addresses the Bluetooth SMP authentication vulnerability.

4

What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-31773?

Exploitation of CVE-2026-31773 could potentially allow attackers to bypass Bluetooth security measures, leading to unauthorized access or man-in-the-middle attacks.

5

Is CVE-2026-31773 being actively exploited?

As of the latest reports, there is no indication that CVE-2026-31773 is being actively exploited in the wild.

Contact

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