CVE-2022-49182
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's HNS3 network driver. Attackers could potentially crash the kernel or execute arbitrary code by exploiting race conditions during VLAN list operations. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with the HNS3 driver are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with HNS3 network driver
📦 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash or potential arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges, resulting in complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel crash causing system instability, denial of service, or potential information disclosure from kernel memory.
If Mitigated
System remains stable with proper patching; unpatched systems may experience occasional crashes under specific network conditions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and specific timing conditions (race condition). No public exploits known as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel versions containing the fix commits: 09e383ca97e798f9954189b741af54b5c51e7a97, 1932a624ab88ff407d1a1d567fe581faa15dc725, 30f0ff7176efe8ac6c55f85bce26ed58bb608758, f58af41deeab0f45c9c80adf5f2de489ebbac3dd
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/09e383ca97e798f9954189b741af54b5c51e7a97
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Reboot is recommended but not strictly required for kernel updates.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable HNS3 driver if not needed
LinuxRemove or blacklist the HNS3 driver module if the hardware is not in use
echo 'blacklist hns3' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-hns3.conf
rmmod hns3
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems using HNS3 driver
- Monitor systems for kernel crashes or unusual behavior related to network operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if HNS3 module is loaded: lsmod | grep hns3 && uname -rCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and check git commit history for the fix commits📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Use-after-free warnings in kernel logs
- System crashes during VLAN operations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network interface behavior on HNS3 devices
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("use-after-free" OR "panic" OR "Oops") AND "hns3"