Critical Shift Value Validation Vulnerability in Linux Kernel (CVE-2022-49553)

linux Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

26/02/2025
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

CVE-2022-49553: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: fs/ntfs3: validate BOOT sectors_per_clusters When the NTFS BOOT sectors_per_clusters field is > 0x80, it represents a shift value. Affects linux versions < 5.18.2-1. Fixed in 5.18.2-1. How to fix ↓

Free scan

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.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

Background

The Linux kernel is the core component of many operating systems, providing essential services for hardware and software interaction. It supports a wide range of functionalities, including file systems, process management, and device control. The NTFS file system, commonly used in Windows environments, is also supported by the Linux kernel through the ntfs3 module. This vulnerability specifically affects the validation of the BOOT sectors_per_clusters field in NTFS, which can lead to serious errors if not properly handled.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-49553 arises from improper validation of the sectors_per_clusters field in NTFS BOOT sectors. When this field exceeds 0x80, it indicates a shift value that can potentially be negative or larger than the maximum allowed size (2MB). This can lead to undefined behavior, including a UBSAN error indicating a shift-out-of-bounds condition. If exploited, this vulnerability could cause system instability or crashes, impacting the reliability of systems utilizing the Linux kernel.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

5.18.2-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linux

Tip — 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. The best course of action is to apply the patch as soon as it is available.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-49553 is a critical vulnerability in the Linux kernel that affects the NTFS file system's handling of the BOOT sectors_per_clusters field. It is essential to update to the fixed version to ensure system stability and security. Users are encouraged to utilize tools like Vulert to monitor their systems for vulnerabilities.

See every vulnerability recorded for linux →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

CVE-2022-49553 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to improper validation of the NTFS BOOT sectors_per_clusters field, which can lead to system instability.

You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By utilizing the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.

If exploited, this vulnerability can cause system crashes or undefined behavior, leading to potential data loss or corruption.

Yes, the patched version of the Linux package is 5.18.2-1 for both Debian 12 and 13.

While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to monitor your system for any unusual behavior and plan to apply the update as soon as possible.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

5.18.2-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade linux

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback