CVE-2026-43334: Bluetooth: SMP: force responder MITM requirements before building the pairing response

Published May 8, 2026
·
Updated

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

Bluetooth: SMP: force responder MITM requirements before building the pairing response

smpcmdpairingreq() currently builds the pairing response from the initiator authreq before enforcing the local BTSECURITYHIGH requirement. If the initiator omits SMPAUTHMITM, the response can also omit it even though the local side still requires MITM.

tkrequest() then sees an auth value without SMPAUTHMITM and may select JUSTCFM, making method selection inconsistent with the pairing policy the responder already enforces.

When the local side requires HIGH security, first verify that MITM can be achieved from the IO capabilities and then force SMPAUTHMITM in the response in both rsp.authreq and auth. This keeps the responder auth bits and later method selection aligned.

Affected Software

14 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=3.3<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

Event History

May 8, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:31 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:31 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·02:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-43334?

CVE-2026-43334 has been classified as a medium severity vulnerability.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-43334?

To remediate CVE-2026-43334, update your Linux kernel to the latest available version that includes the patch for this vulnerability.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-43334?

CVE-2026-43334 affects the Linux kernel, specifically versions that utilize Bluetooth functionalities.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2026-43334?

The impact of CVE-2026-43334 includes potential man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks during Bluetooth pairing processes.

5

When was CVE-2026-43334 disclosed?

CVE-2026-43334 was disclosed in October 2026.

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