Evidence-led vulnerability intelligence · 2026-07-19 21:47 IST

CVE-2026-64174

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: cfg80211: advance loop vars in cfg80211_merge_profile() cfg80211_merge_profile() reassembles a Multi-BSSID non-transmitted BSS profile that has been split across multiple consecutive MBSSID elements. Its while-loop calls cfg80211_get_profile_continuation(ie, ielen, mbssid_elem, sub_elem) but never advances mbssid_elem or sub_elem inside the body. Each iteration therefore searches for a continuation that follows the same fixed pair; the helper returns the same next_mbssid; and the same next_sub bytes are memcpy()'d into merged_ie at a growing offset until the buffer fills. Advance both mbssid_elem and sub_elem to the just-consumed continuation so the next call to cfg80211_get_profile_continuation() searches for a further continuation beyond it (or returns NULL when none exists). A specially-crafted malicious beacon can take advantage of this bug to cause the kernel to spend an excessive amount of time in cfg80211_merge_profile (up to as much as 2ms per beacon received), which could theoretically be abused in some way.

MEDIUM · 5.5Linux

Executive briefing

The source record describes: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: cfg80211: advance loop vars in cfg80211_merge_profile() cfg80211_merge_profile() reassembles a Multi-BSSID non-transmitted BSS profile that has been split across multiple consecutive MBSSID elements. Its while-loop calls cfg80211_get_profile_continuation(ie, ielen, mbssid_elem, sub_elem) but never advances mbssid_elem or sub_elem inside the body. Each iteration therefore searches for a continuation that follows the same fixed pair; the helper returns the same next_mbssid; and the same next_sub bytes are memcpy()'d into merged_ie at a growing offset until the buffer fills. Advance both mbssid_elem and sub_elem to the just-consumed continuation so the next call to cfg80211_get_profile_continuation() searches for a further continuation beyond it (or returns NULL when none exists). A specially-crafted malicious beacon can take advantage of this bug to cause the kernel to spend an excessive amount of time in cfg80211_merge_profile (up to as much as 2ms per beacon received), which could theoretically be abused in some way. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.

Assessment: Potential exposure only — validate the installed product, exact version, configuration and vendor applicability before treating an asset as confirmed vulnerable.

Evidence confidence: Moderate Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict

Severity & attack characteristics

5.5 / 10 · 3.1

CVSS vector:
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Attack vectorL
Attack complexityL
Privileges requiredL
User interactionN
ScopeU
Confidentiality impactN
Integrity impactN
Availability impactH

Technical explanation & impact

The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.

Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.

Weakness classification

NVD-CWE-noinfo

Affected products and versions

Products below are parsed from NVD vulnerable CPE configuration entries. Version boundaries are shown as published; verify applicability with the vendor.

VendorProductVersion evidence
linuxlinux_kernelfrom (inclusive) 6.19; before 7.0.11 · CPE version 7.1 · CPE version 7.1 · CPE version 7.1 · CPE version 7.1

Remediation & validation

  1. Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
  2. Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
  3. Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
  4. Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.

No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.

Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references

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Threat intelligence, made actionable · CVE data sourced from the NVD