CVE-2022-49224
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's AB8500 fuel gauge driver. When the ab8500_fg_sysfs_init function fails during kobject initialization, it doesn't properly release kernel memory, leading to resource exhaustion over time. This affects Linux systems using the AB8500 power management hardware.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with AB8500 power management 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 →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 cause kernel memory exhaustion, leading to system instability, crashes, or denial of service conditions.
Likely Case
Gradual memory leak that may cause performance degradation or system instability over extended periods, particularly on embedded systems with limited resources.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper kernel memory management and monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering the specific failure path in ab8500_fg_sysfs_init, typically requiring kernel module loading or system-specific conditions.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 19aa3c98ed7b, 261041097ab3, 31cdf7897dba, 41ed61364285, 6a4760463dbc
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/19aa3c98ed7b2616e105946cec804f897837ab84
Restart Required: Yes
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 system to load patched kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable AB8500 fuel gauge module
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable kernel module if not required
echo 'blacklist ab8500_fg' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod ab8500_fg
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor kernel memory usage and system stability metrics
- Implement kernel module loading restrictions to prevent malicious exploitation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if ab8500_fg module is loaded: lsmod | grep ab8500_fg. Check kernel version against distribution security advisories.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits or is newer than vulnerable versions. Check /proc/version or uname -r.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages
- Memory allocation failures in kernel logs
- System instability reports
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("ab8500_fg" OR "memory allocation failure" OR "kernel panic")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/19aa3c98ed7b2616e105946cec804f897837ab84
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/261041097ab3470f1120b7733cbf472712304d1e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/31cdf7897dba1f096b74f69d840f0575b8cdb9ae
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/41ed61364285ff38bbbe9ca8a45c8372ba72921d
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6a4760463dbc6b603690938c468839985189ce0a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/879356a6a05559582b0a7895d86d2d4359745c08
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c32f6b6196b6efc1c68990dfeaac36fb8eb3b8e1
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/db3a61ef8e6aef3b888baa6a85926c2230c2cc56
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/ffb8e92b4cef92bd25563cf3d8b4489eb22bc61f
