CVE-2022-49508·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: HID: elan: Fix potential double free in elan_input_configured 'input' is a managed resource allocated with devm_input_allocate_device(), so there is no need to call input_free_device() explicitly or there will be a double free. According to the doc of devm_input_allocate_device(): * Managed input devices do not need to be explicitly unregistered or * freed as it will be done automatically when owner device unbinds from * its driver (or binding fails).
- Severity
- high
- Software
- Kernel
- Fixed in
- 5.18.3
- Published
- 2025-02-26
Affected versions
From: 5.18
Until: 5.18.3
Fixed in: 5.18.3
How to fix this CVE
Update your Linux kernel to version 5.18.3 or later to resolve a double-free vulnerability in the ELAN HID input device driver. This flaw occurs when the kernel incorrectly attempts to free an input device that is already managed by the kernel's device resource management system, potentially causing system instability or a denial of service. Ensure your system receives the latest kernel updates through your distribution's package manager.
sudo dnf update kernelDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Step 1: Check your current kernel version with `uname -r` and compare against 5.18.3
- Step 2: Verify if ELAN HID device is present on your system by running `lsusb | grep -i elan` or `lsmod | grep elan`
- Step 3: Search system logs for HID-related errors or double-free warnings: `grep -i 'elan\|hid.*error\|double free' /var/log/kern.log /var/log/messages`
- Step 4: After kernel upgrade, reboot and confirm new version with `uname -r` to verify the fix is active
FAQ
What is CVE-2022-49508?
This vulnerability is a double-free memory error in the ELAN HID input device driver within the Linux kernel. When an input device configured by the ELAN driver is released, the kernel attempts to free memory that was already automatically managed by the kernel's device resource manager, leading to memory corruption.
Is CVE-2022-49508 being actively exploited?
No, according to CISA data, this vulnerability is not actively exploited in the wild and no public exploits are currently available. However, it should still be patched promptly as a local privilege escalation vector.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2022-49508?
Linux kernel versions 5.18 through 5.18.2 are vulnerable. The vulnerability was resolved in kernel version 5.18.3 and later.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2022-49508?
Run `uname -r` to display your kernel version. If it shows 5.18.0, 5.18.1, or 5.18.2, and an ELAN HID device is present (checked via `lsusb | grep -i elan`), your system is vulnerable.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2022-49508?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2022-49508 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1af20714fedad238362571620be0bd690ded05b6
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/24f9dfdaece9bd75bb8dbfdba83eddeefdf7dc47
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5291451851feeb66fd4bf0826710f482f3b1ab38
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6d0726725c7c560495f5ff364862a2cefea542e3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8bb1716507ebf12d50bbf181764481de3b6bc7fd
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