CVE-2026-43119: Bluetooth: hci_sync: annotate data-races around hdev->req_status
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
Bluetooth: hci_sync: annotate data-races around hdev->req_status
__hci_cmd_sync_sk() sets hdev->req_status under hdev->req_lock:
hdev->req_status = HCI_REQ_PEND;
However, several other functions read or write hdev->req_status without
holding any lock:
- hci_send_cmd_sync() reads req_status in hci_cmd_work (workqueue)
- hci_cmd_sync_complete() reads/writes from HCI event completion
- hci_cmd_sync_cancel() / hci_cmd_sync_cancel_sync() read/write
- hci_abort_conn() reads in connection abort path
Since __hci_cmd_sync_sk() runs on hdev->req_workqueue while
hci_send_cmd_sync() runs on hdev->workqueue, these are different
workqueues that can execute concurrently on different CPUs. The plain
C accesses constitute a data race.
Add READ_ONCE()/WRITE_ONCE() annotations on all concurrent accesses
to hdev->req_status to prevent potential compiler optimizations that
could affect correctness (e.g., load fusing in the wait_event
condition or store reordering).
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
A concurrency flaw in the Linux Bluetooth subsystem allows multiple kernel work paths to access the same request-status value unsafely. The published record warns that compiler optimizations could affect correctness. It does not establish a concrete security impact, severity score, or practical attack scenario.
Executive priority
Track promptly through routine vulnerability management, but current evidence does not justify emergency incident response. Accelerate vendor confirmation and patching for Bluetooth-intensive, safety-sensitive, or high-availability systems. Reassess priority if a severity score, concrete impact, or exploitation evidence emerges.
Technical view
Linux Bluetooth HCI synchronization code accesses hdev->req_status concurrently across separate workqueues and event, cancellation, and connection-abort paths. Some accesses occur without locking, creating a plain-C data race. The upstream resolution applies READ_ONCE() and WRITE_ONCE() annotations to constrain load fusing, store reordering, and related compiler behavior.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux kernels containing the affected Bluetooth HCI code. The record marks entries including 5.2, 6.6.145, 6.12.83, 6.18.24, 6.19.14, and 7.0 as affected, but does not clearly define complete version ranges or distribution backport status. Systems not using Bluetooth may have lower practical exposure, although this is not confirmed as a mitigation.
Exploitation context
The supplied record does not describe exploitation, attacker prerequisites, reachable inputs, or demonstrated impact. It is not listed as KEV, and no cited source establishes active exploitation. Treat claims of remote execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service as unsupported unless later vendor analysis provides evidence.
Researcher notes
The race spans hdev->req_workqueue, hdev->workqueue, HCI event completion, cancellation, and connection-abort paths. The fix annotates concurrent accesses rather than introducing shared locking. The bundle does not provide a CVSS score, CWE, reproducer, impact demonstration, complete affected-range semantics, or mapping between each stable commit and kernel branch.
Mitigation direction
Check Linux distribution or device-vendor guidance for affected package versions and supported fixes.
Deploy a vendor kernel that incorporates the applicable cited stable fix after normal compatibility testing.
Prioritize Bluetooth-dependent systems once their affected status is confirmed.
Avoid treating Bluetooth disablement as a verified mitigation without vendor guidance.
Validation and detection
Inventory running kernel versions on systems with Bluetooth hardware or services enabled.
Compare package versions against distribution advisories and backport information.
Confirm the installed kernel contains the applicable stable fix or documented equivalent backport.
Exercise normal Bluetooth workflows after updating and monitor for regressions.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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3Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source links
Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
May 6, 2026, 07:40 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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