CVE-2026-45255

Summary

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

VendorProductVersion RangeStatus
FreeBSDFreeBSD15.0-RELEASE < p9affected
FreeBSDFreeBSD14.4-RELEASE < p5affected
FreeBSDFreeBSD14.3-RELEASE < p14affected

Weaknesses

  • CWE-78: CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command

ADP Enrichment

CISA ADP Vulnrichment

  • SSVC:
  • Exploitation: none
    • Automatable: no
    • Technical Impact: total

References