CVE-2022-49825
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's libata-transport subsystem allows local attackers to cause a kernel panic (denial of service) when removing the libata module. This affects Linux systems using ATA storage devices. Attackers need local access to trigger the vulnerability.
💻 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
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or corruption if storage operations are interrupted.
Likely Case
Local denial of service when privileged users or processes attempt to remove the libata module, causing system instability.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper access controls preventing unauthorized users from loading/unloading kernel modules.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires CAP_SYS_MODULE capability or root access to remove kernel modules. The vulnerability is triggered during normal error handling, not through malicious input.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 3613dbe3909d, 52d9bb0adae9, b5362dc1634d, e7bb1b7a7bf2
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3613dbe3909dcc637fe6be00e4dc43b4aa0470ee
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix. 2. Check your distribution's security advisories for specific patched versions. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict module loading
linuxPrevent unauthorized users from loading/unloading kernel modules
echo 'kernel.modules_disabled=1' >> /etc/sysctl.conf
sysctl -p
Capabilities restriction
linuxRemove CAP_SYS_MODULE capability from non-privileged users
setcap -r /sbin/rmmod
setcap -r /sbin/modprobe
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to module management tools (rmmod, modprobe) to root only
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from obtaining CAP_SYS_MODULE capability
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if libata module is loaded: lsmod | grep libata && uname -rCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is patched by checking if it includes the fix commits or is newer than vulnerable versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- 'Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference' errors
- ATA module removal failures
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND "NULL pointer dereference" AND "ata_tport_add" OR "libata"