Kernel NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability in Linux Package
Summary
CVE-2022-49424: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: iommu/mediatek: Fix NULL pointer dereference when printing dev_name When larbdev is NULL (in the case I hit, the node is incorrectly set iommus = ), it... Affects linux versions < 5.18.5-1. Fixed in 5.18.5-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to applications. It is widely used across various platforms, including servers, desktops, and embedded systems. This specific vulnerability affects the Mediatek IOMMU subsystem, which is responsible for memory management and device access control. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of device links, leading to potential kernel crashes when certain conditions are met.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-49424, occurs when the larbdev pointer is NULL during the execution of the mtk_iommu_probe_device function. This situation can arise from incorrect device tree settings, causing the device_link_add function to fail. As a result, any attempt to print the dev_name associated with larbdev leads to a kernel NULL pointer dereference, resulting in a crash. The error log indicates that the kernel is unable to handle the NULL pointer dereference, which can lead to system instability and potential data loss.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
5.18.5-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linuxTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds mentioned for this vulnerability. However, ensuring that device tree settings are correctly configured can help prevent the conditions that lead to the vulnerability being exploited.
Conclusion
CVE-2022-49424 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to system crashes due to NULL pointer dereference. Users are advised to update their Linux packages to the patched version 5.18.5-1 to mitigate this risk. Proper configuration of device tree settings can also help prevent this issue.
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FAQ
CVE-2022-49424 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that causes a NULL pointer dereference, potentially leading to kernel crashes.
If exploited, this vulnerability can cause system instability and crashes, which may lead to data loss or corruption.
The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel versions prior to 5.18.5-1 in Debian 12 and 13.
You can use Vulert, a tool that monitors open-source vulnerabilities, to check if your application is affected. Visit Vulert Scanner to use the Vulert playground without signup.
Yes, a patch is available in the form of the Linux kernel version 5.18.5-1. Updating to this version will resolve the vulnerability.
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