CVE-2022-39188 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2022-39188, a Linux kernel vulnerability allowing device drivers to free pages with stale TLB entries, posing a risk to system security. Find details and mitigation steps here.
An issue was discovered in include/asm-generic/tlb.h in the Linux kernel before 5.19. The vulnerability arises from a race condition between unmap_mapping_range and munmap, allowing a device driver to free a page while stale TLB entries still exist. This occurs in scenarios involving VM_PFNMAP VMAs.
Understanding CVE-2022-39188
This section provides insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2022-39188.
What is CVE-2022-39188?
CVE-2022-39188 is a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel before version 5.19, whereby a race condition permits a device driver to free a page while stale TLB entries persist.
The Impact of CVE-2022-39188
The vulnerability poses a risk by enabling device drivers to operate on pages with unrefreshed TLB entries, potentially leading to security breaches.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-39188
Delve into the technical aspects associated with CVE-2022-39188.
Vulnerability Description
The issue originates in the handling of TLB entries during operations involving VM_PFNMAP VMAs, allowing a device driver to misuse resources.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected systems include Linux kernels prior to version 5.19. Users operating on these versions are at risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploitation requires the manipulation of TLB entries by a device driver, capitalizing on the race condition between unmap_mapping_range and munmap.
Mitigation and Prevention
Explore strategies to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2022-39188.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their Linux kernel to version 5.19 or later to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating system components can enhance security posture and reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates released by Linux distributions and apply patches promptly to safeguard systems against known vulnerabilities.