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CVE Record

CVE-2020-36386: An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 5.8.1.

An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 5.8.1. net/bluetooth/hci_event.c has a slab out-of-bounds read in hci_extended_inquiry_result_evt, aka CID-51c19bf3d5cf.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2020-36386 is a Linux kernel Bluetooth memory-read flaw fixed in Linux 5.8.1. The public record identifies an out-of-bounds slab read, but does not provide CVSS, confirmed impact, or active exploitation evidence. Treat exposure as mainly relevant to Linux systems using affected kernel builds with Bluetooth enabled.

Executive priority

Handle through normal kernel maintenance unless Bluetooth-enabled Linux assets are sensitive, exposed in unmanaged physical environments, or running unsupported kernels. The absence of CVSS and exploitation evidence limits urgency, but kernel memory-safety issues deserve timely patch verification.

Technical view

The issue is in net/bluetooth/hci_event.c, specifically hci_extended_inquiry_result_evt. The CVE describes a slab out-of-bounds read in Linux kernels before 5.8.1, associated with upstream commit 51c19bf3d5cf. Syzkaller/SyzScope references indicate fuzzing discovery and reproduction, not confirmed real-world exploitation.

Likely exposure

Potentially exposed assets are Linux systems running kernel versions before 5.8.1, or downstream vendor kernels missing the referenced backport, where Bluetooth functionality is enabled or present. Exposure is likely lower for hardened server or cloud images without Bluetooth hardware, drivers, or services.

Exploitation context

No KEV listing or cited source confirms active exploitation. The available references show public bug and reproducer material from syzkaller/SyzScope, but do not establish weaponized exploitation, remote reachability, privilege impact, or operational targeting.

Researcher notes

The strongest evidence is the CVE description, Linux 5.8.1 changelog, upstream commit, and syzkaller/SyzScope bug artifacts. Public sources do not define CVSS, CWE, exploitability, or concrete impact beyond the slab out-of-bounds read.

Mitigation direction

  • Update to Linux 5.8.1 or a vendor kernel with the referenced fix backported.
  • Confirm distribution advisories for the exact supported kernel package in use.
  • Disable or remove Bluetooth functionality where it is unnecessary.
  • Prioritize laptops, workstations, embedded systems, and kiosks with Bluetooth enabled.
  • Track vendor guidance if running long-term-support or custom kernels.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across endpoints, servers, and embedded devices.
  • Check whether vendor kernels include commit 51c19bf3d5cf or equivalent backport.
  • Identify systems with Bluetooth hardware, drivers, or services enabled.
  • Review kernel package changelogs for the CVE or Bluetooth hci_event fix.
  • Confirm no unsupported pre-5.8.1 custom kernels remain in production.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

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CVE-2020-36386 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.