CVE-2022-3522 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2022
A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel and classified as problematic. This issue affects the function hugetlb_no_page of the file mm/hugetlb.c. The manipulation leads to race condition. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-211019.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel represents a critical race condition flaw within the huge page memory management subsystem. This issue specifically targets the hugetlb_no_page function located in the mm/hugetlb.c file, which handles the allocation and management of huge pages for memory mapping operations. The race condition occurs when multiple threads or processes simultaneously access the huge page allocation mechanism, creating a scenario where the kernel's memory management logic becomes inconsistent and potentially unsafe. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in kernel space because they can lead to arbitrary code execution, system instability, or privilege escalation attacks that compromise the entire operating system.
The technical nature of this race condition stems from inadequate synchronization mechanisms within the huge page allocation path. When the hugetlb_no_page function processes memory allocation requests for huge pages, it fails to properly lock critical sections of code that manage the page table entries and memory mappings. This allows concurrent access patterns where one thread might be in the process of allocating a huge page while another thread attempts to access or modify the same memory structures. The vulnerability manifests when multiple processes attempt to access the same huge page region simultaneously, causing unpredictable behavior in the kernel's memory management subsystem. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-362: Concurrent Execution Using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization, which directly maps to the race condition vulnerability pattern.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory management issues, potentially enabling sophisticated attack vectors that leverage the kernel's memory subsystem. Attackers could exploit this race condition to perform privilege escalation attacks, where malicious code gains elevated privileges by manipulating the huge page allocation process. The vulnerability also poses risks to system stability, as concurrent access patterns might cause kernel panics or memory corruption that leads to system crashes. Additionally, the race condition could be exploited to bypass security mechanisms that rely on proper memory management, including those related to address space layout randomization and memory protection features. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could leverage the kernel-level access to execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of the recommended kernel patch that addresses the synchronization issues within the hugetlb_no_page function. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel installations to versions that include the fix for this race condition. The patch typically implements proper locking mechanisms around critical sections of code that handle huge page allocation, ensuring that only one thread can access the memory management structures at any given time. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary huge page functionality when not required, implementing proper kernel hardening configurations, and maintaining regular security updates to address similar vulnerabilities in the kernel's memory management subsystem. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper concurrent programming practices in kernel space and underscores the need for comprehensive testing of memory management subsystems under high-concurrency scenarios.