CVE-2022-49524·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: media: pci: cx23885: Fix the error handling in cx23885_initdev() When the driver fails to call the dma_set_mask(), the driver will get the following splat: [ 55.853884] BUG: KASAN: use-after-free in __process_removed_driver+0x3c/0x240 [ 55.854486] Read of size 8 at addr ffff88810de60408 by task modprobe/590 [ 55.856822] Call Trace: [ 55.860327] __process_removed_driver+0x3c/0x240 [ 55.861347] bus_for_each_dev+0x102/0x160 [ 55.861681] i2c_del_driver+0x2f/0x50 This is because the driver has initialized the i2c related resources in cx23885_dev_setup() but not released them in error handling, fix this bug by modifying the error path that jumps after failing to call the dma_set_mask().
- 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 address a use-after-free vulnerability in the cx23885 media driver that occurs when DMA mask initialization fails. This flaw can lead to memory corruption and system instability if the affected driver error path is triggered. Apply the kernel update and reboot your system to complete remediation.
sudo dnf upgrade kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check your kernel version with: uname -r (vulnerable if output shows 5.18.0, 5.18.1, or 5.18.2)
- Verify the cx23885 driver is loaded with: lsmod | grep cx23885 (if no output, this driver is not in use)
- Search system logs for DMA initialization errors with: sudo grep -i 'dma_set_mask' /var/log/kern.log /var/log/messages 2>/dev/null
- Confirm the fix is applied by verifying kernel version is 5.18.3 or later with: uname -r (should show 5.18.3+)
FAQ
What is CVE-2022-49524?
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux cx23885 media driver where improper error handling during device initialization fails to release I2C resources when DMA mask configuration fails, potentially allowing local privilege escalation or system crash.
Is CVE-2022-49524 being actively exploited?
No, this vulnerability is not actively exploited in the wild and no public proof-of-concept exploits have been released. It requires local system access and specific hardware with the cx23885 capture card.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2022-49524?
Linux kernel versions 5.18.0 through 5.18.2 are vulnerable. Kernel version 5.18.3 and all later versions include the fix.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2022-49524?
Run: uname -r - if the output shows kernel 5.18.0, 5.18.1, or 5.18.2, you are vulnerable. Additionally, check if the cx23885 driver is present with: lsmod | grep cx23885
Does Defensia detect CVE-2022-49524?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed package versions against the NVD database. If the Linux kernel package is installed on a monitored server, CVE-2022-49524 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/453514a874c78df1e7804e6e3aaa60c8d8deb6a8
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6041d1a0365baa729b6adfb6ed5386d9388018db
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/7b9978e1c94e569d65a0e7e719abb9340f5db4a0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/86bd6a579c6c60547706cabf299cd2c9feab3332
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/98106f100f50c487469903b9cf6d966785fc9cc3
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