CVE-2022-48716 – This CVE describes a memory corruption vulnerab... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2022-48716?

CVE-2022-48716 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). This CVE describes a memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's WCD938x audio codec driver. An attacker could exploit this to cause kernel memory corruption, potentially leading to system crashes or arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with the WCD938x audio codec driver loaded are vulnerable.

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a memory corruption vulnerability in the Linux kernel's WCD938x audio codec driver. An attacker could exploit this to cause kernel memory corruption, potentially leading to system crashes or arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with the WCD938x audio codec driver loaded are vulnerable.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Linux kernel with WCD938x audio codec driver

Versions: Linux kernel versions before the fix commits (specific versions vary by distribution)

Operating Systems: Linux distributions using affected kernel versions

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Only vulnerable if the WCD938x audio codec driver is loaded and in use. Many systems may not have this specific hardware/driver combination.

📦 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...

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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

Kernel memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, complete system compromise, or persistent denial of service.

🟠

Likely Case

System instability, kernel panics, or denial of service through system crashes.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if exploit attempts are blocked by kernel hardening features like KASLR or if the vulnerable driver isn't loaded.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This requires local access or ability to trigger the vulnerable audio codec functionality.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Local attackers or malicious users could exploit this to escalate privileges or cause system instability.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger the vulnerable mixer control functionality. No public exploits have been reported.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 9167f2712dc8c24964840a4d1e2ebf130e846b95, aa7152f9f117b3e66b3c0d4158ca4c6d46ab229f, c5c1546a654f613e291a7c5d6f3660fc1eb6d0c7

Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9167f2712dc8c24964840a4d1e2ebf130e846b95

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable WCD938x driver

linux

Prevent loading of the vulnerable audio codec driver if not needed

echo 'blacklist snd-soc-wcd938x' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod snd-soc-wcd938x

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Restrict local access to systems using WCD938x audio hardware
Implement strict privilege separation and limit user access to audio controls

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check if WCD938x driver is loaded: lsmod | grep wcd938x. Check kernel version against distribution security advisories.

Check Version:

uname -r

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify kernel version includes fix commits or check with distribution package manager that security update is installed.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Kernel oops messages
System crashes/panics related to audio subsystem
Unexpected driver errors in dmesg

Network Indicators:

None - local vulnerability only

SIEM Query:

Search for kernel panic events or audio driver crash logs in system logs

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2022-48716

CVSS v3 Score: 9.8 (CRITICAL)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-400

Published: June 20, 2024

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

🔗 References

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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