CVE-2010-0622 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The wake_futex_pi function in kernel/futex.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.33-rc7 does not properly handle certain unlock operations for a Priority Inheritance (PI) futex, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (OOPS) and possibly have unspecified other impact via vectors involving modification of the futex value from user space.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-0622 resides within the Linux kernel's implementation of Priority Inheritance futex mechanisms, specifically in the wake_futex_pi function located in kernel/futex.c. This flaw represents a critical kernel-level issue that affects systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.33-rc7, where the kernel fails to properly manage unlock operations for PI futexes. The vulnerability operates at the core of the kernel's synchronization primitives, which are fundamental to process coordination and resource management in multi-threaded environments. Priority Inheritance futexes are designed to prevent priority inversion scenarios where high-priority processes are blocked by lower-priority ones holding resources, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems requiring real-time or high-priority task execution.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the wake_futex_pi function processes unlock operations for PI futexes, specifically failing to correctly handle scenarios where futex values are modified from user space during the unlock process. This improper handling leads to kernel memory corruption conditions that result in kernel oops (kernel panic) messages, effectively causing system instability and denial of service conditions. The vulnerability exploits the interaction between user-space applications and kernel-space synchronization mechanisms, where malicious or malformed user-space code can manipulate futex values in ways that the kernel's PI futex implementation does not anticipate or properly validate. This creates a scenario where legitimate system operations can be disrupted through carefully crafted futex value modifications, potentially allowing local users to crash the kernel or cause system-wide instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in kernel security and stability. Local users with access to the system can exploit this vulnerability to cause system crashes, potentially leading to complete system downtime and requiring manual intervention for recovery. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the description suggest that the memory corruption could potentially be leveraged for more severe consequences, including privilege escalation or information disclosure, though the primary vector remains denial of service. Systems utilizing extensive multi-threading or real-time processing capabilities are particularly at risk, as the PI futex mechanisms are commonly employed in such environments where process priority management is critical for system performance and reliability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0622 primarily involve upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.6.33-rc7 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper handling of PI futex unlock operations. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running kernel versions between 2.6.32 and 2.6.33-rc6, as these are most vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for kernel oops messages and system instability patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts, though such detection is reactive rather than preventive. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of kernel updates and maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities in their kernel versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a memory safety issue that could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1068, involving privilege escalation through local exploitation of kernel vulnerabilities, though the primary impact remains denial of service rather than privilege escalation.