Vulnerability Description
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.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Freebsd | Freebsd | 14.3 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-45255?
CVE-2026-45255 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). 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 usi...
How severe is CVE-2026-45255?
CVE-2026-45255 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.5/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-45255?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Freebsd Freebsd.