CVE-2026-71973

What it is

U-Boot before 2026.10-rc4 contains an integer overflow vulnerability in sqfs_read_directory_table() function when allocating the directory table buffer. Attackers can supply a crafted SquashFS image with an attacker-controlled superblock metablks_count value that causes heap buffer under-allocation and out-of-bounds writes, corrupting heap memory and crashing the bootloader.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited with physical access without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-09-29 22:18 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-02 13:17 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-09-29 22:18 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-02 13:17 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-190 · Integer overflow

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 5.2

Attack vector

Physical

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Low

Availability

High