CVE-2026-64176 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel users and administrators, especially those with devices using the iwlwifi driver, should be aware of this vulnerability and ensure they have applied the necessary fixes to prevent potential issues. They should review the official advisory and CVE record to validate affected scope, severity, and vendor guidance.

Technical summary

The vulnerability was caused by a change in the iwlwifi driver that led to incorrect TX rates being set on old devices. The fix involves handling beacon rates in the TX_CMD that's embedded in the beacon template command separately and restoring the iwl_mvm_mac80211_idx_to_hwrate() function to return only the rate index, not PLCP value. This change addresses an issue with TX rates being set incorrectly on old devices such as 7265D, potentially causing warnings when reported back from the device as having been used. The affected product context includes Linux kernel users and administrators, especially those with devices using the iwlwifi driver.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

• Apply the kernel patch to fix the vulnerability
• Ensure devices using the iwlwifi driver are updated with the latest firmware
• Monitor for potential warnings or issues related to TX rates on old devices
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-07-19T16:17:59.853Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Received. The Linux kernel vulnerability CVE-2026-64176 was resolved in the wifi: iwlwifi: mvm: fix driver-set TX rates on old devices. This fix addresses an issue with TX rates being set incorrectly on old devices such as 7265D, potentially causing warnings when reported back from the device as having been used. Evidence limits suggest that further verification is needed to confirm affected scope and severity.

Sources and references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.