Use-After-Free Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - Impacting Debian Packages
Summary
CVE-2022-50137: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: RDMA/irdma: Fix a window for use-after-free During a destroy CQ an interrupt may cause processing of a CQE after CQ resources are freed by irdma_cq_free... Affects linux versions < 6.0.2-1. Fixed in 6.0.2-1. 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
Background
The Linux kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to software applications. It is widely used across various distributions, including Debian. This vulnerability affects the kernel's RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) subsystem, specifically in the irdma driver, which facilitates high-performance networking. The vulnerability arises during the destruction of Completion Queues (CQ), where improper handling can lead to use-after-free conditions, potentially compromising system stability and security.
Vulnerability Detail
In the Linux kernel, a use-after-free vulnerability exists in the RDMA/irdma subsystem. When a Completion Queue (CQ) is destroyed, an interrupt may trigger the processing of a Completion Queue Entry (CQE) after the CQ resources have already been freed. This flaw can lead to undefined behavior, including system crashes or exploitation by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code. The issue is rooted in the timing of resource deallocation, which can be exploited if not properly synchronized.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.0.2-1
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 provided for this vulnerability. It is recommended to apply the patch as soon as it is available to mitigate the risk.
Conclusion
The use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's RDMA/irdma subsystem poses significant risks to system stability and security. It is essential for users of Debian 12 and 13 to update their kernel to version 6.0.2-1 to protect against potential exploitation. Regular monitoring and timely updates are vital for maintaining system integrity.
See every vulnerability recorded for linux →
FAQ
A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a memory resource after it has been freed, leading to potential crashes or exploitation.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to system instability, crashes, or unauthorized access, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code.
If you are using Debian 12 or 13 with a kernel version prior to 6.0.2-1, your system is affected by this vulnerability.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is crucial to prioritize updating your kernel to the patched version to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for linux.