CVE-2026-64174: wifi: cfg80211: advance loop vars in cfg80211_merge_profile()

Published Jul 19, 2026
·
Updated

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

wifi: cfg80211: advance loop vars in cfg80211mergeprofile()

cfg80211mergeprofile() reassembles a Multi-BSSID non-transmitted BSS profile that has been split across multiple consecutive MBSSID elements. Its while-loop calls

cfg80211getprofilecontinuation(ie, ielen, mbssidelem, subelem)

but never advances mbssidelem or subelem inside the body. Each iteration therefore searches for a continuation that follows the same fixed pair; the helper returns the same nextmbssid; and the same nextsub bytes are memcpy()'d into mergedie at a growing offset until the buffer fills.

Advance both mbssidelem and subelem to the just-consumed continuation so the next call to cfg80211getprofilecontinuation() 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 cfg80211mergeprofile (up to as much as 2ms per beacon received), which could theoretically be abused in some way.

Affected Software

12 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=5.2<5.10.258
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.209
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.1.175
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.142
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.92
Linux Linux kernel>=6.13<6.18.34
Linux Linux kernel>=6.19<7.0.11
Linux Linux kernel=7.1-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=7.1-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=7.1-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=7.1-rc4

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Operational

    Apply the Linux kernel fix described in "wifi: cfg80211: advance loop vars in cfg80211_merge_profile()" to ensure the while-loop in cfg80211_merge_profile() advances mbssid_elem and sub_elem when processing profile continuation elements, preventing excessive CPU time per beacon.

Event History

Jul 19, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:40 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:40 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:17 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-64174?

The severity of CVE-2026-64174 is rated at 22.

2

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-64174?

CVE-2026-64174 is a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel related to the cfg80211 module.

3

How does CVE-2026-64174 affect wireless functionalities?

CVE-2026-64174 affects the proper reassembly of Multi-BSSID profiles in wireless network configurations.

4

How do I fix CVE-2026-64174?

To fix CVE-2026-64174, update your Linux kernel to the latest stable version that includes the relevant patches.

5

When was CVE-2026-64174 published?

CVE-2026-64174 was published on July 19, 2026.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203