CVE-2026-45255 (GCVE-0-2026-45255)
Vulnerability from cvelistv5 – Published: 2026-05-21 09:27 – Updated: 2026-05-22 03:55
VLAI
EPSS
VEX
Title
Remote code execution via installer Wi-Fi access point scans
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.
Severity
7.5 (High)
SSVC
Exploitation: none
Automatable: no
Technical Impact: total
CISA Coordinator · CISA-ADP (v2.0.3)
Decision recorded 2026-05-21 00:00 UTC
CWE
- CWE-78 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command
Assigner
freebsd
CNA
References
1 reference
| URL | Tags |
|---|---|
| https://security.freebsd.org/advisories/FreeBSD-S… | vendor-advisory |
Impacted products
Date Public
2026-05-20 23:00
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