CVE-2022-0168 : Security Advisory and Response

A denial of service (DOS) vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's smb2_ioctl_query_info function due to an incorrect return from the memdup_user function, potentially leading to system crashes.

Understanding CVE-2022-0168

This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of CVE-2022-0168.

What is CVE-2022-0168?

CVE-2022-0168 involves a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel, specifically in the Common Internet File System (CIFS), allowing a local, privileged attacker to crash the system.

The Impact of CVE-2022-0168

This vulnerability could be exploited by a malicious actor with CAP_SYS_ADMIN privileges to trigger a denial of service attack, rendering the system inoperable.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-0168

In this section, we delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from an incorrect return from the memdup_user function in the smb2_ioctl_query_info function of the fs/cifs/smb2ops.c file, leading to a system crash under certain conditions.

Affected Systems and Versions

CVE-2022-0168 impacts Linux kernel versions v5.4–v5.12 and v5.13-rc+HEAD, potentially affecting systems that utilize the CIFS protocol.

Exploitation Mechanism

A local attacker with CAP_SYS_ADMIN privileges can exploit this vulnerability by triggering the flaw in the smb2_ioctl_query_info function, causing a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-0168 and prevent future exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply relevant patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to address this vulnerability promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly updating systems can help mitigate the impact of similar vulnerabilities in the long term.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from official sources and apply patches promptly to ensure a secure computing environment.