CVE-2022-3707 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2023
A double-free memory flaw was found in the Linux kernel. The Intel GVT-g graphics driver triggers VGA card system resource overload, causing a fail in the intel_gvt_dma_map_guest_page function. This issue could allow a local user to crash the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-3707 represents a critical double-free memory error within the Linux kernel's graphics subsystem, specifically affecting the Intel GVT-g virtual graphics driver. This flaw exists in the intel_gvt_dma_map_guest_page function where improper memory management leads to the same memory block being freed twice, creating a dangerous state that can be exploited by local attackers. The issue manifests through the Intel Graphics Virtualization Technology for Shared Graphics (GVT-g) driver which enables virtualized graphics access in virtual machine environments, making it particularly concerning for cloud computing and virtualization platforms where multiple guests share physical graphics resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory deallocation handling within the graphics driver's memory mapping functions. When the GVT-g driver processes guest page mappings for VGA card resources, it fails to properly track memory allocation states, leading to a scenario where a single memory region gets marked for deallocation multiple times. This double-free condition creates memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code or cause system crashes, as the kernel's memory allocator becomes confused about the state of freed memory blocks. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-415: Double Free, which is a well-known class of memory safety issues that can lead to privilege escalation or denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it provides a pathway for local users to potentially gain elevated privileges within the kernel space. When exploited, the double-free condition can corrupt kernel memory structures, leading to unpredictable behavior including system hangs, kernel panics, or in more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, privilege escalation to root level access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in virtualized environments where the GVT-g driver is actively used, as it could allow guest operating systems to compromise the host system's integrity. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, where local privilege escalation is achieved through kernel vulnerabilities, and T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service, which covers system resource exhaustion attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-3707 require immediate kernel updates from vendors such as Red Hat, SUSE, and Ubuntu, as the fix involves proper memory management within the intel_gvt_dma_map_guest_page function. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running virtualized environments with Intel GVT-g enabled. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary graphics virtualization features, implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges, and monitoring for anomalous memory allocation patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix typically involves adding proper memory state tracking and validation checks before memory deallocation operations, ensuring that each allocated memory block is freed exactly once. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel module signing requirements and runtime integrity checks to prevent exploitation of similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in the future.