CVE-2022-50441
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the Linux kernel's mlx5 network driver allows a NULL pointer dereference when delayed bond work isn't properly cancelled before workqueue destruction. It affects systems using Mellanox network adapters with the mlx5 driver and can cause kernel panics or system crashes. The issue requires local access or ability to trigger network driver operations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with mlx5 network 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 →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 service disruption.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when network interface configuration changes occur, requiring reboot to restore service.
If Mitigated
Minor service interruption if systems have redundancy and automatic failover capabilities.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires ability to perform network interface bonding operations or trigger specific mlx5 driver events. No public exploit code has been observed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in kernel commits: 4d1c1379d71777ddeda3e54f8fc26e9ecbfd1009, 5df57bb04e91add52fb67e226209df9a17f06a89, 8f1b8b3133504bf9125ee507ddcc3a8fb41a41f0
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4d1c1379d71777ddeda3e54f8fc26e9ecbfd1009
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix. 2. Check distribution-specific security advisories for patched kernel packages. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Avoid network bonding operations
linuxPrevent triggering the vulnerability by avoiding changes to network interface bonding configurations on affected systems.
Disable mlx5 driver if not needed
linuxIf Mellanox network adapters are not required, blacklist the mlx5 driver.
echo 'blacklist mlx5_core' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
update-initramfs -u
reboot
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from untrusted users who could perform network configuration changes.
- Implement monitoring for kernel panic events and have rapid recovery procedures ready.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if mlx5 driver is loaded: uname -r && lsmod | grep mlx5Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated beyond vulnerable range and check for presence of fix commits in kernel source.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- NULL pointer dereference errors mentioning mlx5 or bond work
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- Sudden loss of network connectivity on affected interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("NULL pointer dereference" OR "mlx5" OR "bond work")