Persistent USB Error -32 and Beacon Decoding Failure - ALFA AWUS036AXML (MT7921AU)

[BlurryFace00-CySec]

Problem Description: I am using an ALFA AWUS036AXML on Kali Linux (Bare Metal). The adapter successfully enters monitor mode, but fails to decode any Beacon frames or ESSIDs. airodump-ng shows BSSIDs and Power, but Beacons stay at 0.

dmesg logs show a series of rx urb failed: -32 and vendor request failed:-32 errors as soon as the card attempts to process traffic in monitor mode.

Environment:

Hardware: ALFA AWUS036AXML (MT7921AU)

Kernel: 6.17.10+kali-amd64

OS: Kali Linux 2025.4

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Connect adapter and run airmon-ng check kill.
2. Set interface to monitor mode: iw dev wlan0 set type monitor.
3. Run airodump-ng wlan0.
4. Observe 0 Beacons and check dmesg.

Relevant Logs:

Plaintext

[ 6329.040279] mt7921u 2-1:1.3: rx urb failed: -32
[ 6329.040411] mt7921u 2-1:1.3: rx urb failed: -32
[ 6329.153615] mt7921u 2-1:1.3: vendor request req:63 off:d02c failed:-32
[ 6329.263402] mt7921u 2-1:1.3: vendor request req:63 off:d054 failed:-32
[ 8365.498234] mt7921u 2-1:1.3: HW/SW Version: 0x8a108a10, Build Time: 20250625153620a
[ 8365.758053] mt7921u 2-1:1.3: WM Firmware Version: ____010000, Build Time: 20250625153703

Comparison: An AWUS052NHS works perfectly on this same machine, indicating this is a driver/firmware regression specific to the mt7921u module or the way it handles USB requests on this kernel version

[morrownr]

Hi @BlurryFace00-CySec

We are aware of the monitor mode problems with the mt7921u driver. You can join us over at the following issue:

#682

We suspect a chanctx problem but now is a bad time to expect a fix given the holidays so you might consider backing on to kernel 6.12. See you over at the other issue.