CVE-2022-50469
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel's rtl8723bs Wi-Fi driver. If the driver initialization fails at certain points, previously allocated memory isn't properly freed, leading to resource exhaustion over time. This affects systems using the rtl8723bs driver for Realtek Wi-Fi chipsets.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with rtl8723bs staging 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
Sustained exploitation could lead to kernel memory exhaustion, causing system instability, crashes, or denial of service requiring reboot.
Likely Case
Intermittent driver initialization failures during system operation could gradually consume kernel memory, potentially degrading system performance over time.
If Mitigated
With proper kernel memory management controls and monitoring, impact is limited to occasional resource cleanup issues.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires ability to trigger driver initialization failures repeatedly. No known public exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with commits 5a5aa9cce621, 6b2052b365f8, b4573a2bad3c, d95d1526d9f0
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5a5aa9cce621e2c0e25a1e5d72d6be1749167cc0
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing fixes. 2. Reboot system. 3. Verify driver version. For distributions: use package manager (apt/yum/dnf update).
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable rtl8723bs staging driver
linuxPrevent loading of vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist rtl8723bs' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod rtl8723bs
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Monitor kernel memory usage for unusual patterns
- Restrict access to systems using vulnerable driver to trusted users only
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if rtl8723bs module is loaded: lsmod | grep rtl8723bs. Check kernel version against patched versions.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version includes fix commits. Check dmesg for driver initialization errors.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel oom-killer messages
- Driver initialization failure logs in dmesg
- Memory allocation failures
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("rtl8723bs" OR "oom-killer" OR "memory allocation failure")