CVE-2022-3114 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel through 5.16-rc6. imx_register_uart_clocks in drivers/clk/imx/clk.c lacks check of the return value of kcalloc() and will cause the null pointer dereference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3114 resides within the Linux kernel version 5.16-rc6 and earlier, specifically within the imx_register_uart_clocks function located in the drivers/clk/imx/clk.c file. This issue represents a critical flaw in the kernel's clock management subsystem that affects i.MX SoC platforms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient error handling mechanisms during memory allocation operations, creating a pathway for potential system instability and exploitation. The flaw manifests when the kcalloc() function, which is responsible for allocating and zeroing memory blocks, fails to return a valid memory pointer. The absence of proper return value validation means that subsequent operations attempt to dereference a null pointer, leading to immediate system crashes or potential privilege escalation opportunities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes null pointer dereference conditions in software systems. This particular implementation flaw occurs in the context of device driver initialization where the kernel attempts to register UART clocks for i.MX processor variants. When kcalloc() fails to allocate the required memory for clock structures, the function does not properly check the return value before proceeding with operations that assume valid memory allocation. This pattern violates fundamental defensive programming practices and creates an exploitable condition where an attacker could potentially trigger the null pointer dereference through specific kernel module loading sequences or device initialization paths. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at kernel level where such failures can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3114 extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass potential privilege escalation and denial of service conditions. Systems running affected kernel versions are vulnerable to exploitation that could result in complete system compromise, especially when attackers can influence the device driver loading process or trigger specific hardware initialization sequences. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the affected kernel version is in use, making it particularly dangerous for embedded systems and IoT devices that rely on i.MX SoC platforms. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system access. The null pointer dereference could be leveraged by malicious actors to escalate privileges or cause persistent system instability, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments and security-conscious organizations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate kernel updates to versions containing the patched implementation. The fix involves adding proper return value validation for the kcalloc() call within the imx_register_uart_clocks function, ensuring that null pointer conditions are handled gracefully rather than allowing execution to proceed with invalid memory references. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional mitigations include monitoring for suspicious kernel module loading patterns and implementing runtime protections that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider isolating affected systems in network segments and applying network-level controls to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in kernel space operations and underscores the need for rigorous code review processes that specifically examine memory allocation patterns and return value validation in security-critical subsystems.