CVE-2022-3637 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2022
A vulnerability has been found in Linux Kernel and classified as problematic. This vulnerability affects the function jlink_init of the file monitor/jlink.c of the component BlueZ. The manipulation leads to denial of service. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-211936.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3637 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the Linux kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically affecting the BlueZ implementation. This flaw resides in the jlink_init function located within the monitor/jlink.c file, which is part of the Bluetooth kernel module responsible for managing Bluetooth links and monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the Bluetooth link initialization process, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to disrupt system operations. The issue demonstrates the inherent complexity of kernel-level Bluetooth implementations where improper resource management can lead to system instability and complete service disruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malformed or specially crafted Bluetooth link initialization requests are processed by the jlink_init function. This function fails to properly validate incoming parameters and handle edge cases during the Bluetooth link establishment process, resulting in a kernel crash or system hang that manifests as a denial of service condition. The flaw operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation can bring down the entire Bluetooth subsystem or potentially cause broader system instability depending on how the kernel handles the error condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-248, which addresses the exposure of an exception or error condition that is not properly handled, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks targeting system services.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-3637 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can affect any system running affected versions of the Linux kernel with BlueZ Bluetooth stack. Devices that rely heavily on Bluetooth connectivity, such as laptops, smartphones, IoT devices, and embedded systems, become vulnerable to this attack vector. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for enterprise environments where Bluetooth services are extensively used for device pairing, wireless peripherals, and IoT network management. System administrators face the challenge of identifying affected systems and applying patches without disrupting critical operations, as the kernel-level nature of the flaw requires careful consideration of update strategies and potential compatibility issues with existing Bluetooth-dependent applications and hardware configurations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the official kernel patches provided by the Linux kernel security team and BlueZ maintainers. Organizations should prioritize patching systems running affected kernel versions, particularly those that expose Bluetooth services to untrusted networks or users. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit Bluetooth exposure, disabling Bluetooth services when not actively needed, and monitoring system logs for unusual Bluetooth-related activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed Bluetooth packets and establish baseline network behavior to detect potential exploitation of this denial of service condition. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel versions and following security best practices for Bluetooth implementation in enterprise and embedded environments.