CVE-2026-64536
Received Received - Intake

Out-of-Bounds Read in Linux Kernel RTL8723BS WiFi Driver

Publication date: 2026-07-27

Last updated on: 2026-07-27

Assigner: kernel.org

Description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: staging: rtl8723bs: fix OOB reads in is_ap_in_tkip() IE loop The loop in is_ap_in_tkip() iterates over IEs without verifying that enough bytes remain before dereferencing the IE header or its payload: - pIE->element_id and pIE->length are read without checking that i + sizeof(*pIE) <= ie_length, so a truncated IE at the end of the buffer causes an OOB read. - For WLAN_EID_VENDOR_SPECIFIC the code compares pIE->data + 12, which requires pIE->length >= 16. For WLAN_EID_RSN it compares pIE->data + 8, requiring pIE->length >= 12. Neither requirement is checked. Add the missing IE header and payload bounds checks and guard each data access with an explicit pIE->length minimum, matching the pattern established in update_beacon_info().

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Meta Information

Published
2026-07-27
Last Modified
2026-07-27
Generated
2026-07-27
AI Q&A
2026-07-27
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-64536
EUVD
EUVD-2026-49114

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
linux_kernel linux_kernel *
linux_kernel rtl8723bs *

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Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-UNKNOWN

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Executive Summary

This is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's staging driver for Realtek RTL8723bs Wi-Fi chips. The issue occurs in the is_ap_in_tkip() function where the code reads wireless network information elements (IEs) without properly checking buffer boundaries. This allows out-of-bounds memory reads when processing malformed network packets, potentially exposing sensitive kernel memory.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel's staging driver for RTL8723BS WiFi chips. Detection requires checking if your system runs a vulnerable kernel version. Use uname -a to check the kernel version. If you are running a kernel version prior to the patched version, the system is likely vulnerable. No specific commands are provided for network detection as this is a local kernel issue.

Impact Analysis

An attacker within Wi-Fi range could exploit this to crash the system or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. This could lead to denial of service, privilege escalation, or information disclosure. Systems using vulnerable Linux kernel versions with RTL8723bs Wi-Fi chips are at risk.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could impact compliance by enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data or system disruption. GDPR requires protecting personal data integrity, while HIPAA mandates safeguarding protected health information. A successful exploit could violate these requirements, potentially leading to regulatory penalties or data breaches.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update your Linux kernel to the latest patched version provided by your distribution. If an update is not yet available, consider disabling the rtl8723bs driver module if not in use. Monitor vendor advisories for kernel updates and apply them as soon as possible.

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