CVE-2022-49261
📋 TL;DR
A missing bounds check in the Linux kernel's i915 graphics driver vm_access() function allows out-of-bounds memory access. This vulnerability could lead to kernel memory corruption or information disclosure. Systems using Intel integrated graphics with affected Linux kernel versions are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with i915 graphics 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 →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, potential privilege escalation via memory corruption, or sensitive kernel memory disclosure.
Likely Case
System instability, crashes, or denial of service when accessing graphics memory regions.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched; unpatched systems may experience crashes but privilege escalation requires additional exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and knowledge of memory layout. The vulnerability is in a specific graphics driver function.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commit 661412e301e2ca86799aa4f400d1cf0bd38c57c6 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/312d3d4f49e12f97260bcf972c848c3562126a18
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commit. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable i915 driver module
LinuxPrevent loading of vulnerable i915 graphics driver (will disable Intel integrated graphics)
echo 'blacklist i915' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-i915.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with vulnerable kernels
- Implement strict process isolation and limit graphics memory access permissions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if i915 module is loaded: uname -r && lsmod | grep i915Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is after fix commit: git log --oneline | grep -i '661412e301e2ca86799aa4f400d1cf0bd38c57c6'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages mentioning 'vm_access' or 'i915'
- Page fault errors in dmesg output
- System crashes with graphics-related stack traces
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("vm_access" OR "i915" OR "BUG: unable to handle page fault")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/312d3d4f49e12f97260bcf972c848c3562126a18
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3886a86e7e6cc6ce2ce93c440fecd8f42aed0ce7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5f6e560e3e86ac053447524224e411034f41f5c7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/89ddcc81914ab58cc203acc844f27d55ada8ec0e
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8f0ebea8f6e8c474264ed97d7a64c9c09ed4f5aa
