CVE-2022-48776
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's MTD (Memory Technology Device) parser for Qualcomm platforms. When the cleanup function is called, it fails to free allocated memory for partition information, potentially leading to resource exhaustion over time. This affects Linux systems using Qualcomm-specific MTD parsers.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with MTD subsystem and Qualcomm parser support
📦 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
Sustained exploitation could lead to kernel memory exhaustion, causing system instability, crashes, or denial of service on affected devices.
Likely Case
Gradual memory consumption over time leading to performance degradation or system instability requiring reboots.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper monitoring and regular system maintenance.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires kernel-level access or ability to trigger the cleanup function repeatedly. Memory leaks are typically not directly weaponizable for privilege escalation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 1b37889f9a151d26a3fb0d3870f6e1046dee2e24, 3dd8ba961b9356c4113b96541c752c73d98fef70, 3eb5185896a68373714dc7d0009111744adc3345
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1b37889f9a151d26a3fb0d3870f6e1046dee2e24
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Check with your distribution for backported patches. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Unload vulnerable module
linuxRemove the affected qcom-smem-parser module if not required
rmmod qcom_smem_parser
Blacklist module
linuxPrevent module from loading automatically
echo 'blacklist qcom_smem_parser' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor system memory usage and implement alerting for unusual consumption patterns
- Implement regular system reboots to clear accumulated memory leaks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if qcom_smem_parser module is loaded: lsmod | grep qcom_smem_parserCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits or check with distribution's security advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oom-killer messages
- System instability logs
- Memory pressure warnings in dmesg
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("Out of memory" OR "oom-killer" OR "memory pressure")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1b37889f9a151d26a3fb0d3870f6e1046dee2e24
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3dd8ba961b9356c4113b96541c752c73d98fef70
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3eb5185896a68373714dc7d0009111744adc3345
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1b37889f9a151d26a3fb0d3870f6e1046dee2e24
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3dd8ba961b9356c4113b96541c752c73d98fef70
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3eb5185896a68373714dc7d0009111744adc3345
