CVE-2026-43159

Description

A flaw was found in the rtl8723bs Wi-Fi driver within the Linux kernel. This vulnerability occurs when a pointer, pwlan, can become null before being used in the rtw_free_network_nolock() function, leading to a null pointer dereference. An attacker could potentially exploit this to cause a system crash, resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS).

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Availability

Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart

NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.

Integrity,Confidentiality

Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory

In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.

Frequently Asked Questions

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