CVE-2022-48837
📋 TL;DR
This CVE-2022-48837 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's RNDIS USB gadget driver. When exploited, it could allow local attackers to cause a kernel panic (denial of service) or potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Systems using USB gadget functionality with RNDIS protocol are affected.
💻 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
Local privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution leading to complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel panic causing denial of service (system crash).
If Mitigated
No impact if USB gadget functionality is disabled or RNDIS is not used.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to interact with USB gadget interface.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing the fix commits from references
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/65f3324f4b6fed78b8761c3b74615ecf0ffa81fa
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version. 2. Reboot system. 3. Verify kernel version is updated.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable USB gadget RNDIS
linuxDisable RNDIS USB gadget functionality if not required
modprobe -r g_ether
echo 'blacklist g_ether' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable USB gadget functionality entirely if not needed
- Restrict physical/local access to systems using USB gadget features
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if USB gadget modules are loaded: lsmod | grep g_etherCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and check for presence of fix commits📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- USB gadget error messages in dmesg
Network Indicators:
- Unusual USB gadget activity if monitored
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "oops") AND "usb"🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/138d4f739b35dfb40438a0d5d7054965763bfbe7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/21829376268397f9fd2c35cfa9135937b6aa3a1e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/28bc0267399f42f987916a7174e2e32f0833cc65
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/56b38e3ca4064041d93c1ca18828c8cedad2e16c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/65f3324f4b6fed78b8761c3b74615ecf0ffa81fa
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8b3e4d26bc9cd0f6373d0095b9ffd99e7da8006b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c7953cf03a26876d676145ce5d2ae6d8c9630b90
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/df7e088d51cdf78b1a0bf1f3d405c2593295c7b0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/138d4f739b35dfb40438a0d5d7054965763bfbe7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/21829376268397f9fd2c35cfa9135937b6aa3a1e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/28bc0267399f42f987916a7174e2e32f0833cc65
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/56b38e3ca4064041d93c1ca18828c8cedad2e16c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/65f3324f4b6fed78b8761c3b74615ecf0ffa81fa
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8b3e4d26bc9cd0f6373d0095b9ffd99e7da8006b
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c7953cf03a26876d676145ce5d2ae6d8c9630b90
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/df7e088d51cdf78b1a0bf1f3d405c2593295c7b0
