CVE-2026-68470

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's mac80211 wifi driver. Improper validation of extension-frame layouts before processing received frames could allow a remote attacker to send specially crafted S1G beacon extension frames. This could lead to incorrect memory access when reading network headers, potentially resulting in information disclosure or a Denial of Service (DoS).

This vulnerability is rated as an Important severity issue because an unauthenticated attacker within adjacent wireless radio range can transmit malformed frames to trigger out-of-bounds memory reads, leading to kernel crashes or potential information disclosure. Standard enterprise server deployments are rarely exposed because wireless interfaces and the mac80211 subsystem are typically not present or active in server hardware environments. Systems equipped with active Wi-Fi hardware utilizing the mac80211 stack, such as mobile workstations or automotive platforms, remain susceptible to incoming malicious frames.

The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.

To mitigate this vulnerability, prevent the mac80211 kernel module from loading on systems where wireless functionality is not required.

1. Create a configuration file to prevent the module from loading:

echo "install mac80211 /bin/true" > /etc/modprobe.d/mac80211.conf

2. Unload the module if it is currently loaded:

modprobe -r mac80211

Caveats: Disabling mac80211 will disable all wireless network devices dependent on this subsystem. If the module is currently in use, unloading it will disrupt active wireless connections, or the unload command may fail, requiring a system restart for changes to take full effect.