CVE-2026-43052: wifi: mac80211: check tdls flag in ieee80211_tdls_oper

Published May 1, 2026
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

wifi: mac80211: check tdls flag in ieee80211tdlsoper

When NL80211TDLSENABLELINK is called, the code only checks if the station exists but not whether it is actually a TDLS station. This allows the operation to proceed for non-TDLS stations, causing unintended side effects like modifying channel context and HT protection before failing.

Add a check for sta->sta.tdls early in the ENABLELINK case, before any side effects occur, to ensure the operation is only allowed for actual TDLS peers.

Affected Software

8 affected components
Linux Linux kernel (mac80211)
Linux Linux kernel>=3.2<6.12.81
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.22
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<6.19.12
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=7.0-rc4

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Configuration

    Add a check for sta->sta.tdls early in the NL80211_TDLS_ENABLE_LINK (ENABLE_LINK) case so the operation proceeds only for actual TDLS stations, preventing unintended side effects such as modifying channel context and HT protection.

    mac80211 (ieee80211_tdls_oper) sta->tdls flag check = must be true (station is a TDLS peer)

Event History

May 1, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:15 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:15 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-43052?

CVE-2026-43052 has been classified with a moderate severity level due to potential exploitation risks in wireless connections.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-43052?

To fix CVE-2026-43052, update to the latest version of the Linux kernel that includes the patch addressing the mac80211 issue.

3

What does CVE-2026-43052 affect?

CVE-2026-43052 affects the Linux kernel's mac80211 module used for wireless networking.

4

What is the nature of the vulnerability described in CVE-2026-43052?

CVE-2026-43052 is a vulnerability that allows the NL80211_TDLS_ENABLE_LINK command to bypass certain validation checks.

5

Can CVE-2026-43052 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-2026-43052 can potentially be exploited remotely if a malicious actor connects to a vulnerable wireless network.

Contact

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