CVE-2022-50409 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that has been resolved. This vulnerability allows a NULL pointer dereference due to improper handling of dead sockets when accessing the socket's wait queue during memory waits. The issue arises in the function 'sk_stream_wait_memory' where a check for the 'SOCK_DEAD' flag is necessary before accessing the wait queue.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS score of 5.5. This score indicates that while the vulnerability is not critical, it could still impact the availability of the system significantly. Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize patching this vulnerability promptly.
Risk to organizations includes potential denial-of-service conditions caused by the NULL pointer dereference. This could lead to system instability or crashes, making it essential for organizations to address this vulnerability in their patch management cycles.
As of now, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability, but organizations should remain vigilant. The urgency for defenders is to address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to prevent any exploitation attempts in the future.
Vulnerability Details
The official description for CVE-2022-50409 states that it impacts the Linux kernel and specifically concerns the handling of dead sockets in network operations. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-476, which relates to NULL pointer dereferences. The patch for this vulnerability was published on September 18, 2025, and it is crucial for organizations using affected versions to apply the updates as soon as possible.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2022-50409 stems from a race condition between threads that can lead to a NULL pointer dereference when one thread attempts to wait for memory while another thread closes the socket. This issue arises due to insufficient checks for the socket's state, resulting in potential crashes or instability.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning it requires access to the local system, and the attack complexity is low. Attackers need only low privileges to exploit this vulnerability, and no user interaction is required. The availability impact is rated as high, indicating significant potential disruption to service availability if exploited.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations deploying the Linux kernel need to assess the risk associated with CVE-2022-50409. The potential for a denial-of-service attack could severely impact operations, especially in environments where the Linux kernel is a critical component of infrastructure. Given the medium severity and the potential availability impact, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts, especially those using affected versions.
The urgency for organizations is categorized as medium, meaning they should schedule remediation in their patch management plans as soon as feasible. The blast radius could be significant, affecting any applications or services dependent on the Linux kernel.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel versions prior to 4.14.296, as well as those starting from version 4.15 to below 4.19.262, 4.20 to below 5.4.220, 5.5 to below 5.10.150, 5.11 to below 5.15.75, 5.16 to below 5.19.17, and 6.0 to below 6.0.3.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should patch their systems by updating to the latest version of the Linux kernel that addresses CVE-2022-50409. For those unable to apply the patch immediately, implementing configuration hardening and monitoring for unusual socket behavior may provide temporary relief. Additionally, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to identify any potential weaknesses in their infrastructure.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2022-50409, organizations should monitor system logs for anomalies related to socket management, such as unexpected socket closures or memory allocation failures. Behavioral anomalies in network traffic that could indicate a denial-of-service attack should also be tracked.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The resolution of CVE-2022-50409 emphasizes the ongoing challenges in maintaining kernel stability and security. This vulnerability highlights the need for organizations to continuously monitor and patch their systems. It also reflects a trend of increasing complexity in network protocols, necessitating robust testing and validation practices. Security teams should take this opportunity to review their penetration testing methodology and ensure that it includes scenarios for socket management vulnerabilities. Implementing comprehensive security assessments can help mitigate risks associated with future vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, organizations should consider leveraging vulnerability management programs to proactively identify and address similar issues in their environments, thereby enhancing overall security resilience.
Lastly, incorporating regular manual penetration testing into security practices will significantly strengthen defenses against newly discovered vulnerabilities and potential exploitation attempts.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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