In the Linux kernel, a high-severity vulnerability has been resolved, identified as CVE-2022-49846. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit a slab-out-of-bounds write bug in the udf_find_entry() function. The flaw was reported by Syzbot, highlighting a capacity change detected in the loop, leading to a potential overflow. The bug can cause significant damage, including unauthorized access and data corruption.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8, classified as high severity. This score reflects the significant risk to organizations, especially given the potential for local exploitation and its impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and system instability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to perform actions that could compromise the overall security of the affected systems. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there are no confirmed public exploits available for this vulnerability. However, due to its severity and the potential for exploitation, it is crucial for organizations to stay vigilant and apply the relevant patches as soon as they are available.
Organizations must ensure that their systems are updated to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. The urgency for defenders to address this issue cannot be overstated, given the potential ramifications of an exploit.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2022-49846 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel, specifically concerning the udf_find_entry() function. A slab-out-of-bounds write bug was identified, allowing attackers to write beyond the allocated memory space, potentially leading to a system crash or unauthorized data access.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating high severity. The attack vector is local, requiring low complexity and minimal privileges to exploit. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it a significant concern for organizations.
The vulnerability was published on May 1, 2025, and is classified under CWE-787, which pertains to improper buffer restrictions. This classification underscores the need for secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a flaw in the udf_find_entry() function within the Linux kernel. The vulnerability allows for a slab-out-of-bounds write, which can occur when the function attempts to write data to an address that is outside the allocated memory block.
The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have access to the system to exploit this vulnerability. The complexity of the attack is low, as it does not require any specific conditions to be met. Privileges required for exploitation are low, allowing unprivileged users to potentially exploit the flaw.
User interaction is not required, which increases the risk of this vulnerability being exploited. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all classified as high, indicating that successful exploitation could lead to severe consequences for affected systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations that utilize the affected versions of the Linux kernel. If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, system crashes, and a loss of integrity in critical applications.
The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score of 7.8 indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Given the potential impacts of exploitation, including data breaches and service disruptions, immediate action is required.
The blast radius for this vulnerability is extensive, as it affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel. Organizations running affected versions should assess their systems for exposure and take necessary actions to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
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 versions from 4.6 up to 6.1:rc4. Organizations should ensure they are running patched versions to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize applying patches available for affected versions of the Linux kernel. For those unable to apply patches immediately, consider implementing network controls to limit access to vulnerable systems.
More information on best practices for securing Linux systems can be found in our Linux security best practices.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual activity or error messages related to the filesystem, particularly those involving the udf_find_entry() function. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected crashes or data corruption, should also be investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2022-49846 lies in its demonstration of how local vulnerabilities can have widespread implications for system security. This incident illustrates the need for proactive vulnerability management.
Security teams should take note of the patterns this vulnerability reveals about memory management errors in kernel development. Ongoing education and training in secure coding practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities.
For further insights on risk management and vulnerability assessment, organizations can refer to our comprehensive guide on vulnerability management programs and the importance of continuous security testing.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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