CVE-2022-50501
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's CODA video codec driver. If exploited, it could cause a kernel panic leading to system crash or denial of service. Systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with CODA video codec support are affected.
💻 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 →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 complete system crash and denial of service, potentially requiring physical access to reboot the system.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when processing specific video content through the CODA driver, resulting in temporary denial of service.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability or application crash if proper kernel hardening and privilege separation are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and ability to trigger specific video processing operations through the CODA driver.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions with the referenced git commits applied
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/05f165ded4a7baec31b65aba88e2cd1fb9b91db2
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix. 2. Check if CODA driver is enabled in your kernel configuration. 3. Reboot system after kernel update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable CODA driver
linuxRemove or disable the CODA video codec driver module if not needed
modprobe -r coda
echo 'blacklist coda' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable CODA driver module if not required for system functionality
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can trigger video processing operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and verify if CODA driver is loaded: lsmod | grep codaCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and check git commit history for the fix📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- System crash logs mentioning CODA driver
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or system crash logs containing 'coda' or 'NULL pointer dereference'🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/05f165ded4a7baec31b65aba88e2cd1fb9b91db2
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2b436f1410245412ea5e4c356a175a928d73eed3
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2c6887d5a29024bada6928d1d0959c9990401384
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/35ddd00b36589cf948875b825eedaab1aefd5ad5
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/45f57abaee136a1e39d2b04443a1bd5311ba7d94
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/532417dc98cb9c1185ada4ea4e7ccf965c06bcb5
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/5688d33aa293dfa122d66bef9c0258ddf7ef11e7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6b8082238fb8bb20f67e46388123e67a5bbc558d
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/b99872178e7473f21904fdeea38109275aad8ae8
