CVE-2022-50003
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Intel ice driver when using XDP sockets (XSK) with unbalanced queue configurations. Attackers could cause a kernel panic and denial of service by attaching XSK sockets to queue IDs that don't have corresponding Rx queues. Systems using Intel Ethernet 800 Series network adapters with specific queue configurations are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Intel ice 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, potentially requiring physical access to restore functionality.
Likely Case
System crash or instability when XSK sockets are configured with specific queue parameters, resulting in temporary service disruption.
If Mitigated
No impact if XSK is not used or queue configurations follow combined queue guidelines.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to configure network queues and XSK sockets. The vulnerability was discovered during code review and fixed before widespread exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in Linux kernel commits: 03a3f29fe5b1, 1bfdcde723d8, 5a42f112d367, fe76b3e67466
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/03a3f29fe5b1751ad9b5c892c894183e75a6e4c4
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Avoid unbalanced queue configurations
linuxPrevent using XSK sockets with queue IDs outside combined queue range
# Ensure queue configurations use balanced Rx/Tx counts
# Avoid: ethtool -L $IFACE rx 8 tx 96
# Use: ethtool -L $IFACE combined 8
Disable XDP sockets
linuxPrevent XSK usage if not required
# Remove XDP programs if loaded
ip link set dev $IFACE xdp off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent queue configuration changes
- Implement strict change control for network interface configurations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if ice driver is loaded: uname -r && lsmod | grep iceCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits or is newer than vulnerable versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages with 'ice_xsk_pool_setup' in call trace
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- Sudden loss of network connectivity on affected interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "ice_xsk_pool_setup" OR "Oops: 0000")