CVE-2022-2319 in X11
Summary
by MITRE • 09/02/2022
A flaw was found in the Xorg-x11-server. An out-of-bounds access issue can occur in the ProcXkbSetGeometry function due to improper validation of the request length.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2319 resides within the Xorg-x11-server component of the X Window System, a critical subsystem for graphical user interfaces in Unix-like operating systems. This flaw represents a classic out-of-bounds memory access issue that can be exploited to disrupt system stability and potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability manifests specifically within the ProcXkbSetGeometry function, which handles keyboard geometry configuration requests in the X11 protocol implementation. The X Window System serves as the foundation for graphical environments across numerous Linux distributions and Unix-based systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for widespread impact.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of request length parameters within the ProcXkbSetGeometry function. When processing incoming X11 protocol requests related to keyboard geometry configuration, the server fails to properly verify that the requested data length matches expected boundaries. This inadequate input validation creates a scenario where maliciously crafted requests can cause the server to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 classification for Improper Validation of Array Index, which is a well-documented weakness that directly leads to out-of-bounds memory access conditions. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted X11 protocol packets that trigger the vulnerable code path, potentially leading to denial of service or more severe consequences depending on the execution context.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2319 extends beyond simple system disruption, as it can affect the stability of graphical environments across multiple platforms. Systems utilizing Xorg-x11-server are particularly vulnerable when running in environments where users can submit X11 protocol requests, including remote desktop sessions, virtualized environments, or systems with open X11 access. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors within the X11 protocol framework, potentially allowing an attacker with network access to the X server to cause system crashes or potentially achieve privilege escalation depending on the server's execution context. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1489 for Service Stop, as the out-of-bounds access can lead to service disruption and system instability. The impact is particularly severe in server environments where graphical interfaces are maintained, as these systems may be targeted to cause service degradation or denial of service conditions that affect legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2319 should focus on immediate patch application from vendor sources, as the vulnerability is addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking within the affected code path. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to X11 servers where possible, particularly in environments where untrusted users may have access to the graphical interface. The implementation of proper access controls and X11 access restrictions can significantly reduce the attack surface for this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous X11 protocol traffic patterns may help detect exploitation attempts, though this approach requires careful tuning to avoid false positives. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious X11 protocol clients. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date graphical server implementations and following security best practices for X11 protocol management. Regular security assessments of graphical environments and proper input validation in protocol implementations remain essential defensive measures against similar out-of-bounds access vulnerabilities.