CVE-2022-49541·Kernel vulnerability
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: cifs: fix potential double free during failed mount RHBZ: https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2088799
- 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 critical double-free memory corruption vulnerability in CIFS mount handling. This flaw can occur when a mount operation fails, leading to improper memory deallocation that may allow privilege escalation. Apply the latest stable kernel patches immediately across all affected systems.
sudo dnf update kernel kernel-develDefensia detects this vulnerability
How to check if you are affected
- Check current kernel version: uname -r (should be 5.18.3 or higher)
- Verify CIFS module is loaded: lsmod | grep cifs
- Review CIFS mount configurations in /etc/fstab and /proc/mounts for active mounts
- Confirm patch application by checking kernel build date: cat /proc/version and comparing to release notes for 5.18.3
FAQ
What is CVE-2022-49541?
This vulnerability is a double-free memory corruption flaw in the Linux kernel's CIFS (Common Internet File System) subsystem that occurs during failed mount operations. When a mount attempt fails, improper cleanup logic may deallocate the same memory region twice, leading to heap corruption.
Is CVE-2022-49541 being actively exploited?
No, this CVE is not listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog and no public exploits are currently available, though the high CVSS score (7.8) indicates significant privilege escalation potential.
What versions of Kernel are affected by CVE-2022-49541?
Linux kernel versions 5.18 through 5.18.2 are vulnerable. The fix was integrated in kernel 5.18.3 and all subsequent releases.
How do I check if my server is vulnerable to CVE-2022-49541?
Run 'uname -r' to display your kernel version. If it shows 5.18.0 through 5.18.2, your system is vulnerable. Check if CIFS is in use with 'grep cifs /proc/mounts'.
Does Defensia detect CVE-2022-49541?
Yes — Defensia's CVE advisory scanner compares installed kernel versions against the NVD database. If kernel 5.18.0-5.18.2 is detected on a monitored server, CVE-2022-49541 will appear in your dashboard with remediation steps.
Related Kernel CVEs
References
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