CVE-2022-50144
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's SoundWire subsystem that can cause kernel oopses (crashes) when unbinding codec drivers. The vulnerability occurs due to improper handling of driver callbacks during bind/unbind operations, leading to use-after-free scenarios. This affects Linux systems with SoundWire hardware support, particularly those using Intel audio codecs.
💻 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 and denial of service, potentially causing data loss or system instability.
Likely Case
System crash or instability when specific driver unbinding sequences occur, requiring reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
No impact if patched or if vulnerable driver sequences are avoided.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and specific driver manipulation sequences. Not easily weaponized for privilege escalation, primarily a denial of service vector.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patches available in stable kernel trees via commits: 250b46505175889c6b5958c3829f610f52199f5f, 432b30f08ca3303d2ebb22352cb04c4b6cfefe65, 8fd6b03646b9a9e16d1ec19bd724cd6bd78e0ea5, bd29c00edd0a5dac8b6e7332bb470cd50f92e893
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/250b46505175889c6b5958c3829f610f52199f5f
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update to a patched kernel version from your distribution's repositories. 2. For custom kernels, apply the relevant patches from the stable kernel tree. 3. Reboot the system to load the new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Avoid driver unbinding sequences
linuxPrevent the specific driver removal sequences that trigger the vulnerability
Avoid running: /sbin/modprobe -r snd_soc_sof_sdw
Avoid running: /sbin/modprobe -r snd_soc_rt711
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local access to prevent users from executing driver manipulation commands
- Implement monitoring for driver removal operations and alert on suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and whether SoundWire modules are loaded: lsmod | grep -E 'soundwire|snd_soc'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and check dmesg for absence of SoundWire-related crashes after patch application📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages in dmesg/system logs containing 'soundwire' or 'NULL pointer dereference'
- Workqueue errors related to soundwire_cadence or soundwire_bus
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local kernel vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("soundwire" OR "NULL pointer" OR "kernel oops")