CVE-2026-71974: U-Boot before 2026.10-rc3 contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in read_slotted_partition() that fails to validate image size against
Affects u-bootSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 4.8 Medium : upgrade to 2026.10-rc3 when convenient.
Data as of 13 Nov 2026, 23:54 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.1% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 7% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 2026.10-rc3
CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 29 Sep 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponized: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 14 Nov 2026.
What to do
Upgrade u-boot/u-boot to 2026.10-rc3.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
GitHubu-boot/u-bootpkg:github/u-boot/u-bootOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTSu-bootpkg:deb/ubuntu/u-boot?arch=source&distro=esm-infra-legacy/xenialOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu Pro 18.04 LTSu-bootpkg:deb/ubuntu/u-boot?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/bionicOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu Pro 20.04 LTSu-bootpkg:deb/ubuntu/u-boot?arch=source&distro=esm-infra/focalOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 22.04 LTSu-bootpkg:deb/ubuntu/u-boot?arch=source&distro=jammyOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Ubuntu 22.04 LTSu-boot-nezhapkg:deb/ubuntu/u-boot-nezha?arch=source&distro=jammyOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
A fix is available in U-Boot version 2026.10-rc3 and later. Users and vendors should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. Devices with Android Verified Boot protection are not affected by this issue. Since this vulnerability requires physical access, restricting physical access to devices can also reduce risk.
Description
U-Boot versions prior to 2026.10-rc3 contain an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the read_slotted_partition() function. This occurs because the image size is not properly validated against partition bounds, allowing crafted boot media with oversized headers to cause memory corruption. The vulnerability affects devices without Android Verified Boot protection and requires physical access to exploit. The CVSS score is 4.8, indicating medium severity.
References
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-71974 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/u-boot/u-boot/commit/35432ef6fe2c79ab72709966e64815a45eb55c76 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/u-boot/u-boot (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/u-boot/u-boot/blob/v2026.07/boot/bootmeth_android.c (opens in a new tab)
- patch.msgid.link/20260729-b4-android-bootmeth-oob-v1-1-31c3450ae0be@byteray.co.uk (opens in a new tab)
- vulncheck.com/advisories/u-boot-before-2026.10-rc3-out-of-bounds-write-via-android-bootmeth-partition-read (opens in a new tab)
- ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-71974 (opens in a new tab)
- cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-71974 (opens in a new tab)