Moderate Vulnerability in hostapd: Denial of Service via Malformed Wi-Fi 7 Association Request
Summary
RLSA-2026:85276: Moderate: hostapd security update. Affects hostapd versions < 0:2.11-3.el10_2. Fixed in 0:2.11-3.el10_2. How to fix ↓
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Background
hostapd is a user space daemon designed for managing access points and authentication servers. It implements IEEE 802.11 access point management, IEEE 802.1X/WPA/WPA2/EAP Authenticators, and RADIUS authentication server functionalities. As a daemon, it operates in the background, controlling authentication processes and supporting various frontend programs, including a text-based frontend called hostapd_cli. This package is crucial for secure wireless networking, but it is susceptible to specific vulnerabilities that can compromise its integrity.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-58374 allows for a Denial of Service (DoS) attack through a malformed Wi-Fi 7 Multi-Link Operation association request. An attacker can exploit this flaw to disrupt the normal operation of the hostapd service, potentially leading to service outages and impacting network availability. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of specific requests, which can cause the daemon to crash or become unresponsive.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0:2.11-3.el10_2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update hostapdTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the patch as soon as it is available to mitigate the risk.
Conclusion
The hostapd package has a moderate vulnerability that can lead to Denial of Service attacks through malformed requests. It is crucial to update to the patched version to ensure network security and stability. Regular monitoring and using tools like Vulert can help in identifying vulnerabilities in your software.
See every vulnerability recorded for hostapd →
FAQ
hostapd is a user space daemon that manages access points and authentication servers for wireless networks.
CVE-2026-58374 refers to a vulnerability in hostapd that allows for Denial of Service attacks via malformed Wi-Fi 7 association requests.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.1, indicating a moderate severity level.
If you cannot update the package immediately, monitor your system for any unusual behavior and consider implementing network security measures to limit exposure.
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