Critical Vulnerability in Linux Kernel: Btrfs Tree Mod Log Mishandling
Summary
CVE-2022-49898: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: btrfs: fix tree mod log mishandling of reallocated nodes We have been seeing the following panic in production kernel BUG at fs/btrfs/tree-mod-log.c:677... Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware and software interaction. Btrfs (B-tree file system) is a modern file system for Linux that offers advanced features like snapshots, dynamic inode allocation, and integrated multi-device support. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the Btrfs implementation that can lead to system crashes and data integrity issues.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-49898, arises from improper handling of reallocated nodes in the Btrfs tree modification log. When operations are replayed in an incorrect order, it can lead to a kernel panic, causing the system to crash. This issue is triggered during the removal and replacement of child nodes in the Btrfs tree structure, where the system incorrectly assumes the presence of an old root, leading to a critical failure in the kernel.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds provided for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch by updating the Linux kernel to the latest version.
Conclusion
The CVE-2022-49898 vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Btrfs file system poses a significant risk of system crashes and data integrity issues. Users are strongly advised to update their systems to the latest patched version to mitigate this risk. Regular monitoring for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert can further enhance system security.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
CVE-2022-49898 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Btrfs file system that can cause kernel panics due to improper handling of tree modification logs.
This vulnerability can lead to system crashes, data loss, and instability when using the Btrfs file system, particularly during node replacement operations.
If you are using a version of the Linux kernel prior to 6.0.8-1 on Debian systems, your system may be vulnerable. You can check your kernel version using the command 'uname -r'.
The best protection is to update your Linux kernel to the patched version (6.0.8-1 or later) as soon as possible.
Vulert is a tool that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in software using a manifest file. You can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability using the Vulert playground without any signup.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
