CVE-2022-23088
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on FreeBSD systems by sending specially crafted 802.11 beacon frames with malicious Mesh ID data. The flaw occurs when a FreeBSD Wi-Fi client is in scanning mode (not connected to any network), enabling attackers to overwrite kernel memory. Only FreeBSD systems with Wi-Fi interfaces in scanning mode are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- FreeBSD
📦 What is this software?
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
Freebsd by Freebsd
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution with kernel privileges leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
System crash (kernel panic) or denial of service, though remote code execution is technically possible.
If Mitigated
No impact if systems are patched or Wi-Fi interfaces are disabled/not in scanning mode.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires crafting malicious 802.11 beacon frames and proximity to target's Wi-Fi range. No authentication required.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched in FreeBSD security updates (check specific version for your release)
Vendor Advisory: https://security.freebsd.org/advisories/FreeBSD-SA-22:07.wifi_meshid.asc
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update FreeBSD system using 'freebsd-update fetch' and 'freebsd-update install' 2. Rebuild kernel if using custom kernel 3. Reboot system to load patched kernel
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Wi-Fi scanning
allPrevent Wi-Fi interfaces from entering scanning mode by associating with a trusted network or disabling Wi-Fi entirely.
ifconfig wlan0 down
sysctl net.wlan.scan=0
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable all Wi-Fi interfaces when not in use
- Use wired network connections only and disable wireless hardware
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check FreeBSD version and patch status: 'uname -a' and review installed security updatesCheck Version:
uname -aVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after reboot matches patched version and test Wi-Fi functionality📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Wi-Fi driver crash messages
- Unexpected system reboots
Network Indicators:
- Unusual 802.11 beacon frames with abnormally long Mesh IDs
- Wi-Fi scanning anomalies
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "oops") AND ("wlan" OR "802.11")