CVE-2026-45254: Incorrect libcap_net limitation list manipulation

Published May 21, 2026
·
Updated

In the case of the cap_net service, when a key present in the old limit was omitted from the new limit, the missing key was treated as "allow any" instead of being rejected. In certain scenarios, an application that had previously restricted a subset of network operations could ask for a new limit that extended the permissions of the process.

Affected Software

30 affected components
libcap libcap_net
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p1
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p10
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p11
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p12
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p13
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p2
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p3
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p4
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p5
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p6
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p7
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p8
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.3-p9
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.4
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.4-p1
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.4-p2
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.4-p3
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.4-p4
FreeBSD FreeBSD=14.4-rc1
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0-p1
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0-p2
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0-p3
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0-p4
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0-p5
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0-p6
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0-p7
FreeBSD FreeBSD=15.0-p8

Event History

May 21, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·09:34 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·09:34 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:16 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-45254?

The severity of CVE-2026-45254 is medium with a score of 6.5.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-45254?

To fix CVE-2026-45254, ensure that libcap_net is updated to the latest version that addresses the incorrect limitation list manipulation.

3

What types of systems are affected by CVE-2026-45254?

CVE-2026-45254 affects systems running FreeBSD and the libcap library specifically for network capabilities.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2026-45254?

The impact of CVE-2026-45254 allows applications to potentially bypass network operation restrictions due to incorrect handling of limit keys.

5

Is CVE-2026-45254 a permanent vulnerability?

No, CVE-2026-45254 can be mitigated by updating to patched versions of the affected software.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203