CVE-2022-27223
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a malicious USB device host to manipulate endpoint indexes in the Linux kernel's Xilinx USB gadget driver, leading to out-of-bounds array access. It affects Linux systems using the udc-xilinx driver before kernel version 5.16.12. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to full system compromise if attacker controls USB host and kernel memory corruption is successfully exploited.
Likely Case
Kernel panic or system crash causing denial of service, potentially requiring physical access or reboot to recover.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if USB gadget functionality is disabled or proper USB device validation is in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires control of USB host device and knowledge of kernel memory layout. No public exploit code has been identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel 5.16.12 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.16.12
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version 5.16.12 or later. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to install latest kernel updates. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Xilinx USB gadget driver
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist udc-xilinx' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod udc-xilinx
Restrict USB device access
allLimit physical USB port access to trusted devices only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable USB gadget functionality in system configuration
- Implement strict USB device whitelisting and physical security controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version: uname -r. If version is earlier than 5.16.12 and system uses Xilinx USB gadget driver, it's vulnerable.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is 5.16.12 or later: uname -r. Check that lsmod | grep udc-xilinx shows driver is either not loaded or updated version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- USB gadget driver crash logs
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual USB device connection patterns
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "oops" OR "udc-xilinx")🔗 References
- https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.16.12
- https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/7f14c7227f342d9932f9b918893c8814f86d2a0d
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2022/07/msg00000.html
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220419-0001/
- https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.16.12
- https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/7f14c7227f342d9932f9b918893c8814f86d2a0d
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2022/07/msg00000.html
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220419-0001/
