CVE-2022-50066
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an array index out-of-bounds vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Atlantic network driver. The vulnerability allows an attacker to cause a kernel panic or potentially execute arbitrary code by triggering an out-of-bounds memory access. Systems using affected Linux kernel versions with the Atlantic network driver 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel panic leading to system crash, or potential arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges resulting in complete system compromise.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic causing denial of service, requiring physical or remote console access to reboot.
If Mitigated
System remains stable with proper patching; unpatched systems may experience crashes under specific network driver operations.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires triggering specific network driver operations, likely requiring local access or ability to manipulate network interfaces.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel stable releases containing commits: 23bf155476539354ab5c8cc9bb460fd1209b39b5, 2ba5e47fb75fbb8fab45f5c1bc8d5c33d8834bd3, 422a02a771599cac96f2b2900d993e0bb7ba5b88, df60c534d4c5a681172952dd4b475a5d818b3a86
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/23bf155476539354ab5c8cc9bb460fd1209b39b5
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to a patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. Reboot the system to load the new kernel. 3. Verify the Atlantic driver version includes the fix.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Atlantic network driver
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable Atlantic network driver module
echo 'blacklist atlantic' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-atlantic.conf
rmmod atlantic
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable or remove Atlantic network hardware if not required
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from triggering network driver operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if Atlantic driver is loaded: lsmod | grep atlantic. Check kernel version and if it contains vulnerable code.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and check dmesg logs for absence of array-index-out-of-bounds errors related to aq_nic.c📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel logs showing 'UBSAN: array-index-out-of-bounds in drivers/net/ethernet/aquantia/atlantic/aq_nic.c'
- System crash or kernel panic events
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network interface errors or resets on systems with Atlantic hardware
SIEM Query:
event_source:kernel AND (message:"array-index-out-of-bounds" OR message:"aq_nic.c" OR message:"atlantic")