U-Boot before 2026.10-rc4 contains an integer overflow vulnerability in sqfs_read_directory_table() function when allocating the directory table… (CVE-2026-71973)
U-Boot versions prior to 2026.10-rc4 contain an integer overflow vulnerability in the sqfs_read_directory_table() function. This flaw occurs during allocation of the directory table buffer when processing a crafted SquashFS image with a malicious superblock metablks_count value. The vulnerability can lead to heap buffer under-allocation and out-of-bounds writes, resulting in heap memory corruption and bootloader crashes.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
An integer overflow vulnerability exists in U-Boot before version 2026.10-rc4 within the sqfs_read_directory_table() function. When allocating the directory table buffer, an attacker can supply a specially crafted SquashFS image containing a manipulated superblock metablks_count value. This causes the allocation size to be miscalculated, leading to heap buffer under-allocation and subsequent out-of-bounds writes. The resulting heap corruption can cause the bootloader to crash.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows an attacker with access to supply a crafted SquashFS image to cause heap memory corruption and crash the bootloader. There is no indication of confidentiality or availability impact beyond denial of service (bootloader crash), and no evidence of code execution or privilege escalation.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in U-Boot version 2026.10-rc4 and later. Users should upgrade to version 2026.10-rc4 or newer to remediate this vulnerability. No additional mitigation steps are indicated.
U-Boot before 2026.10-rc4 contains an integer overflow vulnerability in sqfs_read_directory_table() function when allocating the directory table… (CVE-2026-71973)
Description
U-Boot versions prior to 2026.10-rc4 contain an integer overflow vulnerability in the sqfs_read_directory_table() function. This flaw occurs during allocation of the directory table buffer when processing a crafted SquashFS image with a malicious superblock metablks_count value. The vulnerability can lead to heap buffer under-allocation and out-of-bounds writes, resulting in heap memory corruption and bootloader crashes.
CVSS v3.1
Score 5.2medium
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
An integer overflow vulnerability exists in U-Boot before version 2026.10-rc4 within the sqfs_read_directory_table() function. When allocating the directory table buffer, an attacker can supply a specially crafted SquashFS image containing a manipulated superblock metablks_count value. This causes the allocation size to be miscalculated, leading to heap buffer under-allocation and subsequent out-of-bounds writes. The resulting heap corruption can cause the bootloader to crash.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows an attacker with access to supply a crafted SquashFS image to cause heap memory corruption and crash the bootloader. There is no indication of confidentiality or availability impact beyond denial of service (bootloader crash), and no evidence of code execution or privilege escalation.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in U-Boot version 2026.10-rc4 and later. Users should upgrade to version 2026.10-rc4 or newer to remediate this vulnerability. No additional mitigation steps are indicated.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-7rqg-q392-46rw
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-71973"]
- Database Specific Severity
- MODERATE
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6abc5d49680226ef6899ba90
Added to database: 09/30/2026, 00:52:25 UTC
Last enriched: 09/30/2026, 01:06:45 UTC
Last updated: 09/30/2026, 02:05:40 UTC
Views: 8
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