CVE-2022-49114·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: scsi: libfc: Fix use after free in fc_exch_abts_resp() fc_exch_release(ep) will decrease the ep's reference count. When the reference count reaches zero, it is freed. But ep is still used in the following code, which will lead to a use after free. Return after the fc_exch_release() call to avoid use after free.
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 5.17.3
- Published
How likely is exploitation
FIRST's Exploit Prediction Scoring System puts the probability of this CVE being exploited in the next 30 days at <0.1% — higher than 20% of all published CVEs. EPSS is an independent forecast of exploitation, not a severity rating: it says nothing about how much damage a successful attack does, which is what a CVSS score measures.
Read the two together. CVE-2022-49114 scores 7.8 on CVSS, so a successful attack would be serious — but at <0.1%, almost nobody is currently attempting it. That is a different situation from a flaw under mass exploitation, and it is usually the difference between patching on your next maintenance window and patching tonight.
Affected versions
From: 5.17
Until: 5.17.3
Fixed in: 5.17.3
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 5.17.3 or later to address a use-after-free condition in the libfc SCSI subsystem that occurs during ABTS response handling. This vulnerability allows local attackers with low privileges to trigger memory corruption by exploiting improper reference counting in the fc_exch_abts_resp() function. Apply the kernel update through your distribution's package manager and reboot to activate the patched version.
sudo dnf update kernel && sudo rebootDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check installed kernel version: uname -r (affected if output shows 5.17.0 through 5.17.2)
- Verify libfc module is loaded: lsmod | grep libfc (confirms SCSI FC driver is active)
- Search system logs for SCSI/FC errors: sudo journalctl -u kernel | grep -i 'libfc\|scsi' | head -20
- After patching, confirm kernel version: uname -r (should show 5.17.3 or higher)
FAQ
What is CVE-2022-49114?
CVE-2022-49114 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's libfc SCSI library that occurs when handling Abort Task Set (ABTS) responses. A premature reference count decrement causes the exchange structure to be freed while still in use, allowing local privilege escalation.
Is CVE-2022-49114 being actively exploited?
No, CVE-2022-49114 is not currently listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and no public exploits are available. However, the vulnerability is trivial to trigger locally, making it a viable target for post-compromise attacks.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2022-49114?
Linux kernel versions 5.17.0 through 5.17.2 are vulnerable. The fix is included in kernel 5.17.3 and all subsequent releases.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2022-49114?
Run 'uname -r' and verify your kernel version. If it shows 5.17.0, 5.17.1, or 5.17.2, your system is vulnerable. Confirm libfc is loaded with 'lsmod | grep libfc'.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2022-49114?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If Kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2022-49114 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1d7effe5fff9d28e45e18ac3a564067c7ddfe898
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/271add11994ba1a334859069367e04d2be2ebdd4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/412dd8299b02e4410fe77b8396953c1a8dde183a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/499d198494e77b6533251b9b909baf5c101129cb
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4a131d4ea8b581ac9b01d3a72754db4848be3232
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