CVE-2026-43020: Bluetooth: MGMT: validate LTK enc_size on load

Published May 1, 2026
·
Updated

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

Bluetooth: MGMT: validate LTK encsize on load

Load Long Term Keys stores the user-provided encsize and later uses it to size fixed-size stack operations when replying to LE LTK requests. An encsize larger than the 16-byte key buffer can therefore overflow the reply stack buffer.

Reject oversized encsize values while validating the management LTK record so invalid keys never reach the stored key state.

Affected Software

15 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=3.4<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=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
debian/linux
6.1.176-16.1.190-16.12.107-16.12.115-27.2.12-17.2.15-1

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/linux to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 6.1.176-1Fixed in 6.1.190-1Fixed in 6.12.107-1Fixed in 6.12.113-1Fixed in 7.2.12-1Fixed in 7.2.14-1
  2. Compensating control

    Reject oversized enc_size values while validating Bluetooth management Long Term Key (LTK) records, before storing the key state, so values larger than the 16-byte key buffer cannot reach reply operations.

Event History

May 1, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:15 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:15 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·03:07 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Peer vulnerabilities

Found alongside the following vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-43020?

CVE-2026-43020 has been classified with a high severity due to its potential impact on Bluetooth security mechanisms.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-43020?

To fix CVE-2026-43020, update the Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the patch addressing this vulnerability.

3

Which software is affected by CVE-2026-43020?

CVE-2026-43020 affects the Linux kernel, particularly components related to Bluetooth management.

4

What attack vectors are associated with CVE-2026-43020?

CVE-2026-43020 can be exploited via malicious Bluetooth devices attempting to interact with vulnerable systems.

5

What are the potential consequences of CVE-2026-43020 if exploited?

Exploitation of CVE-2026-43020 could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of Bluetooth communications on affected systems.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203