CVE-2022-49754
📋 TL;DR
This CVE-2022-49754 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Bluetooth management interface. It allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries in the mgmt_mesh_add() function, potentially leading to system crashes or arbitrary code execution. Systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with Bluetooth enabled are affected.
💻 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic, system crash, or arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges leading to complete system compromise.
Likely Case
System instability, denial of service through kernel panic, or local privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if Bluetooth is disabled or if proper access controls prevent unauthorized Bluetooth connections.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires Bluetooth access and knowledge of mesh networking protocols. No public exploits known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 2185e0fdbb2137f22a9dd9fcbf6481400d56299b or ed818fd8c531abf561b379995ee7cc4c68029464
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2185e0fdbb2137f22a9dd9fcbf6481400d56299b
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth
allCompletely disable Bluetooth functionality to prevent exploitation
sudo systemctl disable bluetooth
sudo systemctl stop bluetooth
sudo rfkill block bluetooth
Disable Bluetooth Mesh
allDisable Bluetooth mesh networking functionality if not needed
echo 'blacklist btusb' | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/disable-bluetooth.conf
sudo modprobe -r btusb
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth completely using systemctl or rfkill commands
- Implement strict Bluetooth access controls and monitor for unauthorized connections
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with distribution's security advisories. Check if Bluetooth is enabled: 'systemctl status bluetooth' or 'rfkill list'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after update: 'uname -r'. Check if patch is applied by examining kernel source or distribution changelog.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- Bluetooth subsystem crashes
- Unexpected Bluetooth mesh connection attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth traffic patterns
- Multiple failed Bluetooth connection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "oops") AND "bluetooth" OR source="bluetoothd" AND "error"