CVE-2026-46152
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's Wi-Fi (mac80211) subsystem. The ieee80211_invoke_fast_rx() function uses a static variable for rx_result, which is shared across concurrent calls. This can lead to incorrect processing of Wi-Fi packets, where a packet might be mishandled or its status incorrectly reported. Such issues can result in unexpected network behavior or a denial of service within the wireless communication.
Statement
This is an Important flaw in the Linux kernel's mac80211 Wi-Fi subsystem, affecting Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Red Hat In-Vehicle OS. The vulnerability arises from a shared static variable in concurrent fast-RX operations, which can lead to incorrect Wi-Fi packet processing. This may result in unexpected network behavior or a denial of service, impacting the reliability of wireless communication.
Mitigation
To mitigate this issue, disable the Wi-Fi interface if wireless networking is not required. This can be achieved by preventing the `mac80211` kernel module from loading. To blacklist the `mac80211` module: `echo "blacklist mac80211" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-mac80211.conf`. After modifying the blacklist, regenerate the initramfs and reboot the system for the changes to take effect: `sudo dracut -f -v` and `sudo reboot`. Disabling the `mac80211` module will prevent Wi-Fi functionality on the system.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7 | N/A | 7 |
| Attack Vector | Local | N/A | Local |
| Attack Complexity | High | N/A | High |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | Low |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | High | N/A | High |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Other
Technical Impact: Reduce Reliability
This issue can prevent the product from running reliably. If the relevant code is reachable by an attacker, then this reliability problem might introduce a vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
