CVE-2022-50287
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's i915 graphics driver. When generating LFP data pointers, improper memory deallocation could lead to kernel memory exhaustion or undefined behavior. Systems using Intel integrated graphics with the affected kernel versions are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with i915 graphics 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel memory exhaustion leading to system instability, denial of service, or potential privilege escalation through memory corruption.
Likely Case
Gradual memory leak causing system performance degradation or eventual kernel panic/crash requiring reboot.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper memory management and monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger specific graphics operations. No known public exploits as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commit 7674cd0b7d28b952151c3df26bbfa7e07eb2b4ec
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/1382901f75a5a7dc8eac05059fd0c7816def4eae
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commit. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Rebuild kernel if using custom kernel. 4. No reboot required for live kernel updates if supported.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable affected graphics features
LinuxDisable LFP data pointer generation features if not required
echo 'options i915 modeset=0' > /etc/modprobe.d/i915.conf
update-initramfs -u
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges
- Monitor kernel memory usage and implement alerts for abnormal patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if i915 module is loaded: uname -r && lsmod | grep i915Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel contains fix commit: git log --oneline | grep '7674cd0b7d28b952151c3df26bbfa7e07eb2b4ec'📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oops messages
- Out of memory errors in dmesg
- Graphics driver crash logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("out of memory" OR "kernel panic" OR "i915")