diff --git a/qubes/vm/mix/net.py b/qubes/vm/mix/net.py
index 258e685a1..ad8cf133a 100644
--- a/qubes/vm/mix/net.py
+++ b/qubes/vm/mix/net.py
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def _setter_mac(self, prop, value):
     if not isinstance(value, str):
         raise ValueError('MAC address must be a string')
     value = value.lower()
-    if re.match(r"^([0-9a-f][0-9a-f]:){5}[0-9a-f][0-9a-f]$", value) is None:
+    if re.match(r"\A([0-9a-f][0-9a-f]:){5}[0-9a-f][0-9a-f]\Z", value) is None:
         raise ValueError('Invalid MAC address value')
     return value