---
id: "CVE-2026-98705"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-98705"]
title: "Linux kernel: mesh Wi-Fi proxy paths can exceed the path limit"
severity: "unknown"
cvss: null
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "other"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["linux-kernel", "mac80211", "mesh-wifi", "other"]
not_affected_if: ["no-mesh-wifi"]
published_at: "2026-10-18T16:17:24+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-23T21:57:16+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-25T05:18:48+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98705", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-23T21:57:16+00:00"}]
---

# Linux kernel: mesh Wi-Fi proxy paths can exceed the path limit

A flaw in the Linux kernel's mac80211 mesh Wi-Fi code lets proxy-path churn corrupt the counter that enforces the mesh path limit, so more paths than MESH_MAX_MPATHS can be installed. The sources do not state a direct code-execution or data-theft outcome.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- unknown

## Fix

- unknown

## Timeline

- 2026-10-23T21:57:16+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-98705

## From the sources

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

wifi: mac80211: account proxy paths against the mesh path limit

Proxy-path churn can drive the interface path counter negative and let
later mesh path additions exceed MESH_MAX_MPATHS.

mesh_path_free_rcu() decrements the interface mpaths counter for entries
from both the mesh and proxy path tables, but mpp_path_add() never
reserves a slot in that counter. Removing or expiring a proxy path
therefore returns a slot that was never charged.

mesh_path_add() uses the same counter to enforce MESH_MAX_MPATHS, so once
it falls below the number of installed paths the limit no longer holds.

Reserve the shared quota before allocating a proxy path and release it on
every unsuccessful addition. Mesh and proxy paths now share one
1024-entry budget, so mpp_path_add() can return -ENOSPC at that limit.

---

_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_