CVE-2022-38457 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2022
A use-after-free(UAF) vulnerability was found in function 'vmw_cmd_res_check' in drivers/gpu/vmxgfx/vmxgfx_execbuf.c in Linux kernel's vmwgfx driver with device file '/dev/dri/renderD128 (or Dxxx)'. This flaw allows a local attacker with a user account on the system to gain privilege, causing a denial of service(DoS).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2022-38457 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the vmwgfx graphics driver component of the Linux kernel. This flaw exists in the vmw_cmd_res_check function located in drivers/gpu/vmxgfx/vmxgfx_execbuf.c, specifically affecting virtual machine graphics devices that utilize the vmwgfx driver. The affected device file /dev/dri/renderD128 serves as the primary interface through which this vulnerability can be exploited, making it accessible to local users who possess standard user accounts on the system. The vmwgfx driver is designed to support 2D and 3D graphics operations for virtualized environments, particularly those using VMware graphics acceleration, and this particular vulnerability undermines the memory management safety mechanisms that should protect against such dangerous programming errors.
The technical nature of this use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the graphics command execution pipeline. When the vmw_cmd_res_check function processes graphics commands, it fails to properly validate or manage references to memory objects that may have already been freed. This condition creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the graphics command buffer to cause the kernel to access memory that has been deallocated, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability manifests during the execution of graphics operations that involve resource checking and validation, where the kernel's memory management routines do not adequately prevent access to freed memory regions. This flaw specifically aligns with CWE-416, which categorizes use-after-free conditions as a critical memory safety issue that can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-38457 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it provides a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that can be leveraged by local malicious users. While the initial exploitation may result in system instability or denial of service conditions, the underlying memory corruption vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This elevated access level allows adversaries to bypass normal security restrictions, potentially enabling them to access sensitive system information, modify critical system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with the vmwgfx driver installed, particularly those supporting virtualized graphics environments where the renderD128 device file is active. Attackers can exploit this weakness through carefully crafted graphics operations that trigger the vulnerable code path, making it a significant concern for virtualized environments and systems where graphics-intensive applications are commonly used.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-38457 should prioritize immediate kernel updates from the vendor to address the memory management flaw in the vmwgfx driver. System administrators should ensure that all affected Linux distributions receive and install the patched kernel versions that contain the necessary fixes for the use-after-free condition. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for suspicious graphics-related activities and consider restricting user access to graphics-intensive applications that might trigger the vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level access through memory corruption exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult. Regular security assessments of virtualized environments and graphics driver configurations should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The fix typically involves proper memory reference validation and ensuring that all memory objects are properly tracked and validated before access, preventing the conditions that lead to use-after-free scenarios.