The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-50259 in the Linux kernel has been analyzed and addressed. This vulnerability allows a race condition in the sock_map_free() function, leading to a use-after-free scenario. The issue was discovered by syzbot, which highlighted that sock_map_free() calls release_sock(sk) without maintaining a proper reference on the socket. As a result, this can cause potential memory leaks and system instability.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.7, classifying it as medium severity. The attack vector is local, and it requires low privileges with high attack complexity. Although user interaction is not required, the vulnerability poses a risk to the availability of systems running affected versions of the Linux kernel.
Risk to organizations includes potential denial of service due to the exploitation of this vulnerability. Therefore, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate any risks associated with this issue.
The vulnerability was published on September 15, 2025, and has since been resolved in multiple patches. Organizations using affected versions are urged to apply the necessary updates as soon as possible.
For ongoing security measures, it is crucial to monitor systems closely and ensure that all Linux kernel updates are applied in a timely manner.
Vulnerability Details
The specific vulnerability in question pertains to a race condition in the sock_map_free() function in the Linux kernel. This function incorrectly calls release_sock(sk) without holding a reference on the socket, which can lead to use-after-free errors. This can allow attackers to exploit the vulnerability to cause system instability.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-362, which pertains to a race condition that can have serious implications on system availability.
The CVSS version 3.1 score of 4.7 reflects the medium severity of the vulnerability, with the following vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H.
The affected products include various versions of the Linux kernel, specifically those ranging from 5.4.14 to 5.4.229, 5.5.1 to 5.10.163, 5.11 to 5.15.86, 5.16 to 6.0.16, and 6.1 to 6.1.2.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability stems from improper handling of socket references in the sock_map_free() function. Specifically, the absence of ownership when calling release_sock(sk) leads to a race condition, allowing for use-after-free scenarios. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker must have access to the system to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is categorized as high due to the specific conditions required to exploit the race condition. The privilege required is low, which means that an attacker with standard user access could potentially exploit this vulnerability.
No user interaction is required for the exploitation, which increases the potential risk. The impact of exploitation primarily affects system availability, as it can lead to denial of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is significant, particularly for organizations that rely on the Linux kernel for critical infrastructure. The potential for denial of service due to this vulnerability can disrupt operations and lead to substantial downtime.
The blast radius for this vulnerability is broad, affecting multiple versions of the Linux kernel across various distributions. Organizations should assess their deployments to identify any instances of vulnerable kernel versions.
Given the CVSS score of 4.7 and the absence of known exploitation in the wild, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to prevent any potential impacts on availability.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2022-50259:
1. All versions from 5.4.14 to 5.4.229.
2. All versions from 5.5.1 to 5.10.163.
3. All versions from 5.11 to 5.15.86.
4. All versions from 5.16 to 6.0.16.
5. All versions from 6.1 to 6.1.2.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates to the Linux kernel as soon as they are available. Ensure that all systems running affected versions are patched to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
In the absence of an immediate patch, organizations can implement temporary workarounds, such as restricting access to vulnerable system components and monitoring for any abnormal behavior in system logs.
Continuous penetration testing can also help identify potential weaknesses that may be exploited.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor system logs for any indications of abnormal behavior associated with socket operations. Look for warning messages related to reference counting and memory management that could indicate exploitation attempts.
Behavioral anomalies in socket operations, particularly related to the sock_map_free() function, should be investigated promptly to mitigate risk.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2022-50259 highlights the importance of maintaining robust memory management practices within the kernel code.
As systems evolve, vulnerabilities like this serve as a reminder for security teams to implement comprehensive testing and auditing processes.
Organizations can enhance their security posture by adopting a penetration testing methodology that focuses on identifying and remediating vulnerabilities proactively.
In conclusion, organizations should remain vigilant and prioritize updates to the Linux kernel to prevent potential exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-50259.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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