In the Linux kernel, a high-severity vulnerability has been identified and resolved. This vulnerability allows for a crash when executing WRITE_SAME commands with the NDOB bit set, which indicates that no data buffer is written out. The impact of this flaw could result in significant disruptions to systems relying on the affected kernel versions.
The severity level is classified as high, with a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a substantial risk to organizations. The vulnerability's consequences include potential system crashes, which could lead to service outages and operational disruptions. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching to mitigate any risks.
As of now, no public exploit has been confirmed, and the vulnerability is not actively exploited in the wild. However, organizations must remain vigilant as attackers may leverage this flaw in the future if left unpatched.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, as the risk posed by this vulnerability could escalate with time. The urgency for remediation is high, and proactive measures are essential to ensure system integrity.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2022-21546 states that it addresses a crash in the Linux kernel related to the WRITE_SAME command when the NDOB bit is set. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-476, which pertains to NULL pointer dereferences.
The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a high severity level, with the following vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The attack vector is local, and the attack complexity is low, meaning that an attacker with low privileges could exploit this vulnerability with ease.
The affected products include various versions of the Linux kernel, specifically versions prior to 5.4.294, 5.10.238, 5.15.182, and those in the 5.19 release candidates. The publication date for this vulnerability is May 2, 2025.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from a mishandling of the NDOB bit in the WRITE_SAME command. When exploited, it leads to a NULL pointer dereference, resulting in a system crash. The attack vector is local, requiring low privileges, and does not necessitate user interaction, making it easier for an attacker to exploit.
The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, all rated as high. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to cause system failures, thereby impacting the availability of services.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability includes significant disruptions to operations, especially in environments relying on the affected Linux kernel versions. The blast radius potential is considerable, as multiple systems could be impacted if the vulnerability is exploited.
Considering the vulnerability's characteristics and the potential for exploitation, organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts. The urgency is categorized as high, necessitating immediate action.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Linux kernel include those prior to 5.4.294, those between 5.5 and 5.10.238, between 5.11 and 5.15.182, as well as the 5.19 release candidates.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are advised to apply patches as soon as they become available. For more information on remediation and security best practices, organizations can refer to the penetration testing services offered by AppSecure.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, such as abnormal WRITE_SAME command executions and behaviors indicative of unauthorized access, is crucial. Security teams should establish alerting mechanisms for these anomalies.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2022-21546 lies in its demonstration of how seemingly minor mishandlings in command executions can lead to severe system vulnerabilities. Security teams are encouraged to review their patch management processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from impacting their operations.
To learn more about effective remediation strategies, organizations can explore our vulnerability management program design. Moreover, understanding the importance of penetration testing methodology can further enhance defenses against such vulnerabilities.
Lastly, organizations can stay informed about trends in vulnerabilities and exposure to threats by reviewing our report on 2025 vulnerability exposure severity trends.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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