CVE-2022-49527
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Venus media driver could cause kernel panic or system crash when specific error conditions occur during device initialization. This affects Linux systems using the Venus hardware video accelerator. The vulnerability requires local access to trigger.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Venus media 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 →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 and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or service disruption.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when specific error conditions occur during Venus hardware initialization, requiring system reboot.
If Mitigated
Minor service disruption requiring reboot if triggered by legitimate error conditions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger specific error conditions during Venus hardware initialization.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel versions containing the fix commits (0ac84ab50712879eac3c1dd2598440652a85d3d0 and related)
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0ac84ab50712879eac3c1dd2598440652a85d3d0
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Venus hardware acceleration
linuxPrevent loading of Venus media driver to avoid vulnerability
echo 'blacklist venus' > /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-venus.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with Venus hardware
- Monitor system logs for Venus initialization failures and kernel panic events
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if Venus module is loaded: 'lsmod | grep venus' and 'uname -r'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and check git commit history for fix commits📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Venus driver initialization failures in dmesg
- NULL pointer dereference errors
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "NULL pointer dereference" OR "venus")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0ac84ab50712879eac3c1dd2598440652a85d3d0
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/0ed5a643b1a4a46b9b7bfba5d468c10cc30e1359
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2533acb652359c9e097dfa33587896af782e8a91
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/27ad46da44177a78a4a0cae6fe03906888c61aa1
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/86594f6af867b5165d2ba7b5a71fae3a5961e56c
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/9c385b961d4c378228e80f6abea8509cb67feab6
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/a21d15dde21d7e8ae047eb8368677407db45d840
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b73ed0510bb8d9647cd8e8a4c4c8772bbe545c3a
