Discover the impact of CVE-2022-3113 found in Linux kernel 5.16-rc6, allowing null pointer dereference. Learn about affected systems, exploitation risks, and mitigation steps.
An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel through 5.16-rc6, where the mtk_vcodec_fw_vpu_init in drivers/media/platform/mtk-vcodec/mtk_vcodec_fw_vpu.c lacks check of the return value of devm_kzalloc() leading to a null pointer dereference.
Understanding CVE-2022-3113
This section will cover the details of the CVE-2022-3113 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2022-3113?
The CVE-2022-3113 is a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel through version 5.16-rc6, specifically in the mtk_vcodec_fw_vpu_init function.
The Impact of CVE-2022-3113
The lack of check in the return value of devm_kzalloc() can result in a null pointer dereference, potentially leading to a denial of service or arbitrary code execution.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-3113
In this section, we will delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2022-3113.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises due to missing checks in the memory allocation function, allowing an attacker to trigger a null pointer dereference.
Affected Systems and Versions
The issue affects Linux kernel versions up to 5.16-rc6, making systems with these versions vulnerable to exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by crafting specific requests to trigger the null pointer dereference, potentially leading to a system crash or arbitrary code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section aims to provide guidance on mitigating and preventing the CVE-2022-3113 vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their Linux kernel to a patched version to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for any unusual system behavior.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, regular security patches, and threat monitoring can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates released by the Linux kernel maintainers and promptly apply patches to ensure the system's security.