CVE-2022-49696
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's TIPC (Transparent Inter-Process Communication) subsystem. It allows attackers with local access to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service by exploiting improper work queue synchronization during namespace destruction. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with TIPC enabled are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 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
Local privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel panic or system crash causing denial of service.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if TIPC is disabled or systems are properly patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of kernel exploitation techniques. No public exploits known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in stable kernel releases containing commits 361c5521c1e4, 8b246ddd394d, 911600bf5a5e, or cd7789e659e8
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/361c5521c1e49843b710f455cae3c0a50b714323
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution vendor. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify TIPC module is not loaded if not needed.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable TIPC module
LinuxPrevent loading of TIPC kernel module if not required
echo 'install tipc /bin/false' >> /etc/modprobe.d/disable-tipc.conf
rmmod tipc 2>/dev/null || true
Blacklist TIPC module
LinuxBlacklist TIPC module to prevent automatic loading
echo 'blacklist tipc' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-tipc.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable TIPC module if not required for system functionality
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if TIPC module is loaded: lsmod | grep tipc. If loaded and kernel version is vulnerable, system is at risk.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
1. Check kernel version is patched. 2. Verify TIPC module is either not loaded or system has been updated to patched kernel version.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- KASAN reports of use-after-free in tipc_named_reinit
- System crashes or unexpected reboots
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel logs containing 'KASAN: use-after-free' or 'tipc_named_reinit'