CVE-2026-45255: Remote code execution via installer Wi-Fi access point scans
When bsdinstall or bsdconfig are prompted to scan for nearby Wi-Fi networks, they build up a list of network names and use bsddialog(1) to prompt the user to select a network. This is implemented using a shell script, and the code which handled network names was not careful to prevent expansion by the shell. As a result, a suitably crafted network name can be used to execute commands via a subshell. The problem can be exploited to execute code as root on the system running bsdinstall or bsdconfig. The attacker would need to create an access point with a specially crafted name and be within range of a Wi-Fi scan. Note that bsdinstall and bsdconfig are vulnerable as soon as the user prompts them to scan for nearby networks; they do not need to actually select the malicious network.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-45255?
CVE-2026-45255 has a high severity rating of 7.5 on the CVSS scale.
How do I fix CVE-2026-45255?
To fix CVE-2026-45255, update to the latest version of FreeBSD that addresses this vulnerability.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-45255?
CVE-2026-45255 is categorized as an OS Command Injection vulnerability.
What systems are affected by CVE-2026-45255?
CVE-2026-45255 affects FreeBSD systems utilizing bsdinstall and bsdconfig.
What is the potential impact of CVE-2026-45255?
The potential impact of CVE-2026-45255 includes remote code execution on affected systems.