CVE-2022-50551 is a high-severity vulnerability found in the Linux kernel. This vulnerability allows local attackers to exploit a shift-out-of-bounds issue in the brcmfmac driver. Specifically, the vulnerability arises when a 'chiprev' value provided by the device exceeds the expected range, leading to potential memory corruption and undefined behavior. The urgency for defenders cannot be overstated, as this flaw has significant implications for system stability and security.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.1, categorized as high severity. Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of service. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be triggered by local users with low privileges, thus widening the attack surface. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, there is no public exploit confirmed for this vulnerability, which offers a temporary window for organizations to implement necessary updates and mitigations. However, the Linux community has addressed this vulnerability in recent patches, highlighting the importance of staying informed about updates.
In summary, CVE-2022-50551 presents a significant risk to Linux kernel users, necessitating immediate attention and remediation efforts to mitigate potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability description states that the Linux kernel's brcmfmac driver has a flaw that allows for a shift-out-of-bounds condition when the chip revision ('chiprev') provided by the device is too large. The kernel's patch addresses this issue by ensuring that the chiprev value is validated, preventing out-of-bounds memory access.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, which pertains to out-of-bounds read and write operations. Analyzing the CVSS score further reveals that the attack vector is local, the complexity is low, and the privileges required are also low, emphasizing how easily an attacker could exploit this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2022-50551 lies in the handling of the chip revision value within the brcmfmac driver. When this value exceeds the defined limits, a shift-out-of-bounds error occurs, which can lead to memory corruption. The attack vector is local, meaning that an attacker would need local access to the system to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is low, and no user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability. If exploited, the potential impacts include high confidentiality and availability impacts, as the attacker may gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt system operations.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment of CVE-2022-50551 poses significant risks to organizations using affected versions of the Linux kernel. Given the high CVSS score of 7.1, the exploitability of this vulnerability is high. If successfully exploited, attackers may gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or disrupt service availability, ultimately impacting business operations.
Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize patching this vulnerability to mitigate potential risks. The blast radius could be extensive, especially for systems that handle sensitive information or provide critical services. Therefore, immediate action is necessary.
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-2022-50551: all versions from 4.5 up to but not including 4.9.337, from 4.10 up to but not including 4.14.305, from 4.15 up to but not including 4.19.270, from 4.20 up to but not including 5.4.229, from 5.5 up to but not including 5.10.163, from 5.11 up to but not including 5.15.86, from 5.16 up to but not including 6.0.16, and from 6.1 up to but not including 6.1.2.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should ensure they are running the latest version of the Linux kernel to mitigate CVE-2022-50551. It is vital to apply patches related to this vulnerability as they become available. For those unable to immediately patch, implementing additional monitoring and access controls could serve as a temporary workaround. Further guidance on effective remediation strategies can be found through penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor system logs for unusual access patterns, particularly from local users. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in the wireless subsystem may indicate attempts to exploit the vulnerability. System changes that do not align with expected operational patterns should also be flagged for review.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2022-50551 represents a significant example of how local vulnerabilities can have far-reaching implications. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous update practices and monitoring for vulnerabilities within the kernel. Security teams should take this opportunity to review their patch management processes and consider implementing regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar risks proactively.
For further reading on vulnerability management strategies, organizations can refer to the following resources: vulnerability management program design, penetration testing methodology, and security testing best practices to enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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