CVE-2022-1679 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2022
A use-after-free flaw was found in the Linux kernel’s Atheros wireless adapter driver in the way a user forces the ath9k_htc_wait_for_target function to fail with some input messages. This flaw allows a local user to crash or potentially escalate their privileges on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1679 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the Linux kernel's ath9k_htc wireless adapter driver implementation. This security weakness specifically manifests in the ath9k_htc_wait_for_target function where improper handling of input messages can lead to memory management issues. The flaw exists within the wireless networking subsystem of the Linux kernel, affecting systems that utilize Atheros wireless hardware through the ath9k_htc driver module. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential exploitation vectors for malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local user can manipulate input messages to force the ath9k_htc_wait_for_target function to fail in a manner that results in freed memory being accessed. This particular flaw resides in the driver's handling of asynchronous communication protocols between the wireless hardware and kernel space, where the driver fails to properly validate or manage memory references during error conditions. The flaw allows for arbitrary code execution through privilege escalation mechanisms, as the use-after-free condition can be leveraged to overwrite critical kernel memory structures or execute malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability requires local system access but can potentially provide attackers with root-level privileges through careful exploitation of the memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-1679 extends beyond simple system crashes to include potential complete system compromise and unauthorized privilege escalation. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with Atheros wireless adapters are vulnerable to both denial-of-service attacks that can crash the system and more severe exploitation scenarios that allow attackers to gain administrative control. The flaw affects various Linux distributions and kernel versions that include the ath9k_htc driver, particularly those using wireless hardware from Atheros Communications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through local user accounts without requiring network access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is expected to provide security boundaries. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, and T1499 which addresses network denial-of-service attacks through wireless subsystems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-1679 primarily focus on immediate kernel updates and patches provided by Linux kernel maintainers and distribution vendors. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest kernel security patches that address the specific use-after-free condition in the ath9k_htc driver module. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries can help mitigate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit local user access to systems with wireless adapters, reducing the attack surface. Monitoring for unusual system behavior or kernel panic messages can help detect exploitation attempts, while disabling unused wireless hardware can eliminate the vulnerability vector entirely. The vulnerability's resolution requires kernel-level patching as the root cause lies within the driver's memory management implementation rather than user-space applications, making it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date kernel security patches and conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their wireless infrastructure components.