CVE-2022-49515
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability in the CS35L41 audio codec driver in the Linux kernel. An attacker could potentially cause a kernel panic or system crash by triggering undefined behavior through the OTP unpacking function. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with the CS35L41 driver loaded are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with CS35L41 audio codec 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to denial of service, potentially allowing privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System crash or instability when the vulnerable driver processes malformed OTP data.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if driver is not loaded or system is patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to trigger the vulnerable code path. No known public exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel with commits 9f342904216f, a59b99584160, or dbc35268e14d applied
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9f342904216f378e88008bb0ce1ae200a4b99fe8
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Rebuild kernel if using custom kernel with the fix applied.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable CS35L41 driver
LinuxPrevent loading of vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist snd_soc_cs35l41_lib' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-cs35l41.conf
update-initramfs -u
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Ensure proper access controls to prevent unauthorized local access
- Monitor system logs for UBSAN warnings related to cs35l41_otp_unpack
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if CS35L41 driver is loaded: lsmod | grep cs35l41. Check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits or is newer than vulnerable versions. Check dmesg for absence of UBSAN warnings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- UBSAN warnings in kernel logs: 'shift-out-of-bounds' in cs35l41_otp_unpack
- Kernel panic or oops messages related to CS35L41 driver
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("UBSAN" OR "shift-out-of-bounds" OR "cs35l41")