CVE-2022-41848 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2022-41848 article provides insights into a vulnerability found in the Linux kernel through version 5.19.12. Read on to understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41848.

Understanding CVE-2022-41848

The vulnerability resides in drivers/char/pcmcia/synclink_cs.c of the Linux kernel through version 5.19.12. It involves a race condition leading to a use-after-free scenario if a physically proximate attacker removes a PCMCIA device during the ioctl call.

What is CVE-2022-41848?

CVE-2022-41848 is a race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could be exploited by a nearby attacker to trigger a use-after-free issue by removing a PCMCIA device while calling ioctl.

The Impact of CVE-2022-41848

The vulnerability could allow an attacker in close physical proximity to the target machine to cause a denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-41848

The technical details of the CVE-2022-41848 vulnerability include:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises due to a race condition and resultant use-after-free in the mgslpc_ioctl and mgslpc_detach functions of the affected driver.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux kernel versions up to 5.19.12 are affected by this vulnerability, specifically in the drivers/char/pcmcia/synclink_cs.c file.

Exploitation Mechanism

A physically proximate attacker can trigger the vulnerability by removing a PCMCIA device while the ioctl operation is in progress, leading to a race condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2022-41848 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to a version beyond 5.19.12 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Restrict physical access to systems to prevent unauthorized individuals from manipulating PCMCIA devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement access controls and monitoring to detect unusual behavior indicative of an attack.
Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor official Linux kernel updates and apply patches as soon as they are released to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.