CVE-2022-3625 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2022
A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel. It has been classified as critical. This affects the function devlink_param_set/devlink_param_get of the file net/core/devlink.c of the component IPsec. The manipulation leads to use after free. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The identifier VDB-211929 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3625 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Linux kernel's devlink subsystem, specifically affecting the IPsec component through functions devlink_param_set and devlink_param_get in the net/core/devlink.c file. This flaw exists at the kernel level and demonstrates the severe implications that memory management vulnerabilities can have in operating system components. The issue arises from improper handling of memory references within the device link parameter management functions, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system's memory state after it has been freed but still referenced.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory lifecycle management within the devlink subsystem which handles device link parameters for network devices. When the devlink_param_set and devlink_param_get functions process IPsec-related parameters, they fail to properly validate or manage the memory references associated with these operations. This particular flaw falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free vulnerabilities where memory is accessed after it has been freed, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability's critical classification indicates that it can be readily exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with potential pathways to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to systems running affected kernel versions. Network administrators and system operators face significant risk when deploying systems without immediate patching, as this vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to bypass security controls or establish persistent access. The exploitation of this flaw would typically involve crafting specific network device link parameter operations that trigger the memory management error, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or denial of service conditions that could affect network connectivity and system stability. The affected IPsec functionality within the devlink subsystem suggests that this vulnerability could impact secure network communications and could be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where IPsec is widely deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3625 require immediate implementation of vendor-provided patches and updates to kernel versions that address the memory management issue in devlink.c. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all systems running affected kernel versions, particularly those handling sensitive network communications or operating in high-security environments. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for anomalous device link parameter operations and implementing kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries and memory protection mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential exploitation paths. The vulnerability's classification as critical underscores the importance of immediate remediation, as delay in patching could provide attackers with sufficient time to develop working exploits for this memory corruption issue. Regular vulnerability assessments and kernel security audits should be conducted to identify similar memory management flaws that could potentially affect system integrity and network security posture.