CVE-2026-64471 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
Bluetooth: btusb: fix use-after-free on registration failure
Make sure to release the sibling interfaces in case controller registration fails to avoid use-after-free and double-free when they are eventually disconnected.
This issue was reported by Sashiko while reviewing a fix for a wakeup source leak in the btusb probe errors paths.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel represents a critical use-after-free condition within the bluetooth subsystem, specifically affecting the btusb driver module. This flaw manifests when controller registration fails during the device initialization process, creating a scenario where memory resources become prematurely freed while still being referenced by subsequent operations. The issue occurs in the bluetooth usb driver context where sibling interfaces are not properly released upon registration failure, leading to potential memory corruption and system instability.
The technical root cause stems from inadequate resource management during error handling paths in the btusb probe function. When the controller registration process encounters an error condition, the driver fails to correctly clean up sibling interface resources that were allocated during the initialization sequence. This oversight creates a use-after-free vulnerability where subsequent operations may attempt to access memory that has already been freed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs in the device probe error paths where the kernel expects proper cleanup of allocated resources.
This flaw impacts the overall security posture of Linux systems by creating potential attack vectors through malicious bluetooth devices or compromised bluetooth infrastructure. The use-after-free condition can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution privileges, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions where this specific btusb driver code has not been patched, with implications extending to mobile devices, laptops, desktops, and embedded systems that utilize bluetooth connectivity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate system stability concerns to include potential data integrity breaches and service disruption. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can cause system crashes, memory corruption, or allow attackers to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. The double-free condition that may occur alongside the use-after-free creates additional complexity in exploitation attempts while increasing the overall risk profile. Organizations deploying Linux-based systems with bluetooth capabilities should prioritize patching to address this vulnerability as part of their cybersecurity posture management.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate application of kernel patches that ensure proper resource cleanup during registration failures, implementation of runtime monitoring for memory access violations, and regular security assessments of bluetooth subsystems. The fix addresses the specific CWE-416 vulnerability pattern related to use-after-free conditions, requiring developers to properly manage object lifecycles in error handling paths. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability scans to identify affected systems and implement layered security controls including network segmentation, bluetooth device access restrictions, and continuous monitoring for anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.