CVE-2022-39004 in EMUI
Summary
by MITRE • 09/16/2022
The MPTCP module has the memory leak vulnerability. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can cause memory leaks.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2022
The CVE-2022-39004 vulnerability represents a critical memory leak issue within the Multipath TCP (MPTCP) kernel module, which is a significant concern for system security and stability. This vulnerability specifically affects the MPTCP implementation in the Linux kernel, where improper memory management during certain network operations leads to gradual memory consumption that can eventually result in system instability or denial of service conditions. The MPTCP module enables multiple paths for TCP connections, enhancing network reliability and performance, but this feature introduces complexity that can lead to memory management flaws. The vulnerability manifests when the kernel module fails to properly release allocated memory structures during specific MPTCP connection handling scenarios, creating a persistent memory leak that accumulates over time.
The technical flaw underlying CVE-2022-39004 stems from inadequate memory deallocation mechanisms within the MPTCP subsystem, particularly during connection teardown or error handling procedures. This memory leak occurs at the kernel level where allocated memory blocks for MPTCP control structures are not properly freed when connections are terminated or when error conditions occur. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-401 as a failure to release memory after it has been allocated, which directly impacts the system's ability to manage resources efficiently. Attackers can exploit this weakness by initiating multiple MPTCP connections or by maintaining connections in error states, causing the system to consume increasing amounts of memory until available resources are exhausted. The issue is particularly concerning because kernel memory leaks are difficult to detect and can persist across system reboots, making them a persistent threat to system availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-39004 extends beyond simple resource exhaustion, potentially leading to complete system instability and denial of service conditions. When memory leaks accumulate in the kernel space, they can cause the system to experience memory pressure that affects other critical system operations, including process scheduling, memory allocation for user-space applications, and overall system responsiveness. This vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels that include the MPTCP module, which is commonly found in enterprise networks, cloud environments, and any infrastructure supporting multipath TCP connections. The attack surface is broad as any system that utilizes MPTCP for network communication is potentially vulnerable, including servers, routers, and network appliances that rely on multipath capabilities for improved network performance and reliability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-39004 primarily focus on applying kernel updates and patches that address the specific memory management flaws in the MPTCP implementation. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the patched MPTCP module, typically those released after the vulnerability disclosure date. Additionally, monitoring systems for unusual memory consumption patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts before they cause significant impact. Network administrators should consider temporarily disabling MPTCP functionality on affected systems until patches are applied, particularly in environments where the risk of exploitation is high. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for resource exhaustion attacks, where adversaries leverage system memory vulnerabilities to degrade performance or cause service disruption. Organizations should also implement continuous monitoring of kernel memory usage and establish baseline metrics to quickly identify anomalous behavior that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The patching process requires careful consideration of system compatibility and potential regression issues, as kernel updates can sometimes introduce unexpected behavior in network stack operations.