CVE-2022-50442
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-50442 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the Linux kernel's NTFS3 filesystem driver. It occurs when parsing index buffers during directory operations, potentially allowing attackers to read kernel memory. This affects systems using the NTFS3 driver with untrusted NTFS filesystems.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with NTFS3 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 →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Kernel memory disclosure leading to information leakage, potential privilege escalation if combined with other vulnerabilities, or kernel panic causing denial of service.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive data or system information.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls preventing untrusted NTFS mounts and kernel hardening features like KASAN.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires ability to trigger NTFS directory operations on a malicious or corrupted NTFS filesystem. Local access or ability to mount NTFS needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in Linux kernel stable releases via commits referenced in CVE
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/3cd9e5b41b83bb57ac3cf9888f9fef2a6ef8ed96
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable NTFS3 driver
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable NTFS3 driver module
echo 'blacklist ntfs3' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-ntfs3.conf
rmmod ntfs3
Use older NTFS driver
linuxUse the legacy NTFS driver instead of NTFS3 if NTFS support is required
modprobe -r ntfs3
modprobe ntfs
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict mounting of NTFS filesystems to trusted sources only
- Implement strict access controls to prevent untrusted users from mounting filesystems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if NTFS3 module is loaded and kernel version is vulnerable: lsmod | grep ntfs3 && uname -rCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is patched and NTFS3 module functions correctly with test NTFS mounts📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs mentioning NTFS3, KASAN reports for out-of-bounds reads in NTFS3 code
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - no network indicators
SIEM Query:
kernel: "BUG: KASAN: slab-out-of-bounds" AND "ntfs3" OR "indx_read"