CVE-2022-28195 in Jetson Linux Driver Package
Summary
by MITRE • 04/27/2022
NVIDIA Jetson Linux Driver Package contains a vulnerability in the Cboot ext4_read_file function, where insufficient validation of untrusted data may allow a highly privileged local attacker to cause a integer overflow, which may lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, limited denial of service, and some impact to confidentiality and integrity.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28195 resides within the NVIDIA Jetson Linux Driver Package, specifically within the Cboot bootloader component that manages ext4 file system operations. This flaw manifests in the ext4_read_file function where inadequate input validation permits malicious manipulation of data structures. The vulnerability affects devices running NVIDIA Jetson platforms including Jetson Nano, Jetson Xavier NX, and Jetson AGX Xavier systems. The issue stems from improper handling of file size parameters during ext4 file reading operations, creating a potential attack surface for local adversaries with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs when processing file size values within the ext4_read_file function. When an attacker provides a maliciously crafted file size parameter, the system fails to properly validate the input against expected ranges, allowing the integer arithmetic to wrap around and produce unexpected behavior. This overflow condition can result in memory corruption, where the system may attempt to access invalid memory locations or overwrite critical data structures. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-190 integer overflow, which represents a common class of flaws where computations exceed the maximum representable value for the data type used. The flaw specifically manifests as a signed integer overflow in the context of file system operations, creating a pathway for code execution through memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass multiple security domains. A highly privileged local attacker who can manipulate the ext4_read_file function parameters can potentially achieve code execution within the bootloader context, which provides elevated system access. The vulnerability enables privilege escalation from a local user to root-level privileges, allowing attackers to gain complete control over the device. Additionally, the integer overflow can result in limited denial of service conditions where system stability is compromised, and there may be some impact to data confidentiality and integrity as memory corruption can lead to unauthorized data access or modification. The attack requires local access with elevated privileges, making it less likely to be exploited remotely but still represents a significant threat in compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28195 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest NVIDIA Jetson Linux Driver Package updates that contain patches addressing the integer overflow vulnerability in the Cboot component. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected Jetson devices, particularly those in production environments where security is paramount. Additional mitigations include implementing strict access controls to limit local user privileges, monitoring system logs for suspicious file operations, and conducting regular security assessments of bootloader components. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and stack canaries to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits, making it relevant to defensive strategies focused on kernel-level security and privilege control measures.