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

wifi: libipw: reject TKIP frames without a full MIC

libipw_michael_mic_verify() assumes that an skb contains an eight-byte
Michael MIC. A short TKIP frame makes the unsigned payload length wrap,
causing michael_mic() to read past the skb.

Check that the MIC is present before verifying it, and use the existing
MICHAEL_MIC_LEN constant for all MIC lengths in the verifier.
Published: 2026-10-06
Score: 5.5 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: Information Disclosure
Action: Patch Immediately
AI Analysis

Impact

The libipw_michael_mic_verify() function in the Linux kernel incorrectly assumes that every Technical Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) frame contains an eight‑byte Michael Message Integrity Code (MIC). When a TKIP frame is truncated, the unsigned payload length calculation overflows, causing michael_mic() to read beyond the socket buffer. This out‑of‑bounds read allows an attacker to view portions of kernel memory, potentially leading to information disclosure or kernel instability if combined with other weaknesses.

Affected Systems

Any Linux system that includes the libipw wireless driver and has not yet incorporated the patch is vulnerable. The vulnerability affects all kernels that ship with libipw prior to the commit that adds the MIC presence check and enforces the correct MIC length. No specific kernel versions are enumerated in the advisory.

Risk and Exploitability

The EPSS score is below 1 %, indicating a very low probability of exploitation. The CVE is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog. Based on the description, it is inferred that an attacker can trigger the issue by sending a specially crafted TKIP frame over a wireless interface. This does not require local user interaction, making the attack remote and network‑based. The CVSS score of 5.5 indicates moderate severity.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 9, 2026 at 03:25 UTC.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Upgrade the Linux kernel to include the libipw MIC check fix.
  • Disable TKIP authentication or block TKIP traffic from reaching the libipw driver if an upgrade is not immediately possible.
  • Restrict the wireless interface to trusted networks or enable host‑based intrusion detection to monitor anomalous TKIP traffic.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on October 9, 2026 at 03:25 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories
Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4850-1 linux-6.12 security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6568-1 linux security update
History

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:15:00 +0000


Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-125
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

threat_severity

Moderate


Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: libipw: reject TKIP frames without a full MIC libipw_michael_mic_verify() assumes that an skb contains an eight-byte Michael MIC. A short TKIP frame makes the unsigned payload length wrap, causing michael_mic() to read past the skb. Check that the MIC is present before verifying it, and use the existing MICHAEL_MIC_LEN constant for all MIC lengths in the verifier.
Title wifi: libipw: reject TKIP frames without a full MIC
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: 2026-10-21T12:54:51.640Z

Reserved: 2026-09-25T10:25:14.323Z

Link: CVE-2026-98193

cve-icon Vulnrichment

No data.

cve-icon NVD

Status : Received

Published: 2026-10-06T09:18:04.670

Modified: 2026-10-21T13:21:25.423

Link: CVE-2026-98193

cve-icon Redhat

Severity : Moderate

Publid Date: 2026-10-06T00:00:00Z

Links: CVE-2026-98193 - Bugzilla

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-10-09T03:30:06Z

Weaknesses