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

staging: rtl8723bs: fix OOB read in rtw_action_frame_parse()

rtw_action_frame_parse() takes a frame_len parameter but never
actually checks it before indexing into the frame body:

const u8 *frame_body = frame + sizeof(struct ieee80211_hdr_3addr);
...
c = frame_body[0];
...
a = frame_body[1];

frame_body already points 24 bytes (sizeof(struct
ieee80211_hdr_3addr)) into frame, so reading frame_body[0] and
frame_body[1] requires frame_len >= 26. A management action frame
shorter than that (e.g. exactly 24 bytes, the minimum a malicious
peer can send) causes a 1-2 byte out-of-bounds read.

This is reachable from rtw_cfg80211_monitor_if_xmit_entry() and
cfg80211_rtw_mgmt_tx() in ioctl_cfg80211.c, both of which pass
attacker/user-influenced frame buffers and lengths straight through.

Add the missing length check before frame_body is dereferenced.
Published: 2026-09-16
Score: 7.1 High
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Information disclosure via out‑of‑bounds read
Action: Apply patch
AI Analysis

Impact

The rtl8723bs driver contains an out‑of‑bounds read in the rtw_action_frame_parse() function. The code indexes into the frame body without verifying that the supplied frame length is large enough. A crafted management action frame that is only the minimum 24 bytes can cause a 1‑2 byte read past the frame boundary, potentially exposing arbitrary kernel memory contents. This flaw does not allow code execution, but it can leak sensitive data such as keys or configuration information, compromising confidentiality.

Affected Systems

The vulnerability affects the staging rtl8723bs wireless driver in the Linux kernel. It impacts Linux operating systems that load this driver, regardless of distribution, because the driver resides in the kernel's staging modules. No specific kernel version range is listed in the CNA data; therefore any kernel build that includes the current rtl8723bs driver before the patch is a potential target.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a high impact threat. The EPSS score is below 1 %, suggesting a low but not zero chance of current exploitation. The flaw is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog. Based on the exposed interface, an attacker on the same local network can transmit crafted 802.11 action frames through the device’s monitor interface, exploiting the driver’s lack of length validation. This could result in an out‑of‑bounds read that leaks kernel memory and sensitive information. Systems that enable monitor mode or frame injection are at the greatest risk.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 18, 2026 at 07:08 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Update the Linux kernel to a version that includes the committed fix for rtl8723bs (see the referenced Git commit).
  • If an immediate kernel upgrade is not feasible, disable the rtl8723bs driver or remove the staging module so the vulnerable code is not loaded.
  • If you cannot update or disable the driver, restrict the Wi‑Fi interface to authorized devices or disable monitor mode to reduce exposure to malicious frames.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on September 18, 2026 at 07:08 UTC.

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories
Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4817-1 linux-6.12 security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6528-1 linux security update
History

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-788

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.1, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:H'}


Wed, 16 Sep 2026 10:45:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: staging: rtl8723bs: fix OOB read in rtw_action_frame_parse() rtw_action_frame_parse() takes a frame_len parameter but never actually checks it before indexing into the frame body: const u8 *frame_body = frame + sizeof(struct ieee80211_hdr_3addr); ... c = frame_body[0]; ... a = frame_body[1]; frame_body already points 24 bytes (sizeof(struct ieee80211_hdr_3addr)) into frame, so reading frame_body[0] and frame_body[1] requires frame_len >= 26. A management action frame shorter than that (e.g. exactly 24 bytes, the minimum a malicious peer can send) causes a 1-2 byte out-of-bounds read. This is reachable from rtw_cfg80211_monitor_if_xmit_entry() and cfg80211_rtw_mgmt_tx() in ioctl_cfg80211.c, both of which pass attacker/user-influenced frame buffers and lengths straight through. Add the missing length check before frame_body is dereferenced.
Title staging: rtl8723bs: fix OOB read in rtw_action_frame_parse()
First Time appeared Linux
Linux linux Kernel
CPEs cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Linux
Linux linux Kernel
References

Subscriptions

Linux Linux Kernel
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: Linux

Published:

Updated: 2026-09-16T14:41:35.855Z

Reserved: 2026-09-11T19:38:34.781Z

Link: CVE-2026-90017

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-09-16T11:17:14.503

Modified: 2026-09-16T15:18:25.347

Link: CVE-2026-90017

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-09-18T07:15:04Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-788

    Access of Memory Location After End of Buffer