CVE-2022-3649 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/22/2022
A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel. It has been classified as problematic. Affected is the function nilfs_new_inode of the file fs/nilfs2/inode.c of the component BPF. The manipulation leads to use after free. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-211992.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3649 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Linux kernel's NILFS2 filesystem implementation, specifically affecting the BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) component. This flaw exists in the nilfs_new_inode function located in fs/nilfs2/inode.c, where improper memory management allows for potential exploitation through remote attack vectors. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates significant security implications that could compromise system integrity and availability.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a use-after-free scenario that arises when the nilfs_new_inode function fails to properly validate memory references during inode creation operations. When malicious input triggers the function to allocate and subsequently free memory structures, an attacker can manipulate the system to reuse freed memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This particular flaw demonstrates the dangerous intersection of filesystem operations and BPF functionality, where the kernel's handling of NILFS2 inodes creates opportunities for memory corruption attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to systems running Linux kernels with NILFS2 filesystem support, particularly those exposed to remote network access. The remote attack capability means that adversaries can exploit this flaw without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments and cloud deployments. The use-after-free condition could enable privilege escalation attacks, allowing attackers to gain elevated system privileges and potentially compromise entire systems. Organizations utilizing NILFS2 filesystems in production environments face heightened risk due to the nature of this vulnerability's exploitation vectors.
Security mitigations for CVE-2022-3649 primarily involve applying the official kernel patches released by the Linux kernel security team, which address the memory management issues in the nilfs_new_inode function. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to patched releases that contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help reduce the attack surface, while monitoring for anomalous filesystem behavior may aid in detecting potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling NILFS2 filesystem support on systems where it is not strictly required, following the principle of least privilege in system configuration.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw represents a classic example of how filesystem implementation errors can create security vulnerabilities that extend beyond their immediate operational context, affecting the broader kernel security model and potentially enabling more sophisticated attack scenarios. The remote exploitability aspect of this vulnerability makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where network exposure is common.