CVE-2022-2959 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
A race condition was found in the Linux kernel's watch queue due to a missing lock in pipe_resize_ring(). The specific flaw exists within the handling of pipe buffers. The issue results from the lack of proper locking when performing operations on an object. This flaw allows a local user to crash the system or escalate their privileges on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2959 represents a critical race condition within the Linux kernel's watch queue implementation that stems from insufficient synchronization mechanisms. This flaw specifically manifests in the pipe_resize_ring() function where proper locking mechanisms are absent during critical operations involving pipe buffer management. The underlying issue creates a scenario where concurrent access to shared kernel data structures can result in unpredictable behavior and system instability. The vulnerability resides in the kernel's handling of pipe buffers which are fundamental components used for inter-process communication and system monitoring through watch queues. According to CWE-362, this represents a classic race condition vulnerability where multiple threads or processes access shared resources without proper mutual exclusion, leading to potential security implications and system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a local user who can manipulate the pipe buffer resizing operations to trigger the race condition. When the pipe_resize_ring() function executes without adequate locking, concurrent threads can simultaneously modify the same pipe buffer structure, causing memory corruption and potential privilege escalation. The flaw allows for both system crashes and privilege escalation because the missing lock creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate kernel memory in ways that could be leveraged for unauthorized access. This type of vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' and demonstrates how kernel-level race conditions can be exploited to gain elevated system privileges. The operational impact extends beyond simple system crashes as the vulnerability can be weaponized to establish persistent access to compromised systems through privilege escalation.
The exploitation of CVE-2022-2959 requires local system access and involves manipulating the pipe buffer management subsystem to trigger the race condition during concurrent operations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by creating multiple concurrent processes that attempt to resize pipe buffers simultaneously, causing the kernel to execute the flawed pipe_resize_ring() function without proper synchronization. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions where the specific locking mechanism was not properly implemented in the watch queue subsystem. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a significant risk to system integrity and security posture, particularly in environments where local user access cannot be strictly controlled. The remediation process involves applying the appropriate kernel security patches that implement proper locking mechanisms in the pipe_resize_ring() function. System administrators should also consider monitoring for unusual pipe buffer operations and implementing additional security controls to limit local user privileges and reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper synchronization in kernel code and serves as a reminder of how seemingly minor implementation oversights can create significant security risks in operating system components that handle inter-process communication and system monitoring functions.