SUMMARY

When entering a WLAN (WiFi/wireless network) password via the NetworkManager applet, the password field looses focus if the cursor is being moved away over another WLAN entry. (no click is needed)

Further, if you don't notice the loss of focus and finally hit enter (usually after typing the password), the password field of the other WLAN entry will be opened and become active. You might even start entering the password again and send it to the other WLAN ap if you only notice the wrong WLAN name in the password error dialog.
(I guess this might even be a minor SECURITY issue for older WLAN encryption standards, sending the password to the ap)


DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This easily happens when resting your palm on a notebook touchpad, pushing your mouse with your elbow, ...
Another reason could be if the list of WLAN networks is changing due to other WLANs coming into range. But I guess this might not happen at least since bug 389052 has been fixed.

Most text fields in ui's don't loose focus if the mouse is being moved away. The password fields in the plasma-nm widget should also behave this way!
As a technical person I usually notice this. But I've seen non technical people running into this trap multiple times. Often they don't realise the problem before multiple tries, wondering why their WLAN password isn't accepted.

This "mouse over focus loss" behaviour might also affect other text/password fields. See related bugs below (bug 429713 for example).


STEPS TO REPRODUCE
1. Open plasma-nm applet while multiple WLANs are in range.
2. Start to enter the first characters of the password.
3. Move away the mouse pointer WITHOUT clicking (just move the mouse).
4. Continue to enter the password and finally hit enter.

SOFTWARE/OS VERSIONS
Linux/KDE Plasma: neon-testing-20211130-1820
KDE Plasma Version: 5.23.4
KDE Frameworks Version: 5.89.0

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Also happens with Plasma-5.20.x in Debian-11 (Bullseye).


(MAYBE) RELATED BUGS

bug 429713
After connecting to a wifi via Network manager widget, a system dialogue pops up to ask for an unspecified password | Redundant (twice password) and a tad confusing (not specified in the dialogue *which* password (wifi or admin?))

bug 415130
Lock and login screens: entering incorrect password or moving focus away breaks using return/enter key to submit password

bug 389052
Desired connections run away just before clicking the "connect" button or entering password

bug 381148
[Openconnect] Plasma-nm NetworkManager OpenConnect VPN: focus on password field