CVE-2022-4139 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/27/2023
An incorrect TLB flush issue was found in the Linux kernel’s GPU i915 kernel driver, potentially leading to random memory corruption or data leaks. This flaw could allow a local user to crash the system or escalate their privileges on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4139 represents a critical flaw within the Linux kernel's i915 GPU driver component that affects Intel graphics hardware implementations. This issue manifests as an incorrect translation lookaside buffer tlb flush operation that fundamentally undermines memory management integrity within the kernel's graphics subsystem. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems utilizing Intel GPU hardware where the i915 driver manages graphics processing units, creating a dangerous condition that can compromise system stability and security boundaries. The flaw exists in the kernel's memory management layer where the TLB flush mechanism fails to properly invalidate cached translation entries, leading to unpredictable memory access patterns.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper handling of memory translation entries within the i915 driver's memory management routines. When the kernel attempts to flush the TLB entries for GPU memory mappings, the implementation fails to correctly invalidate all relevant cache entries, creating a scenario where stale memory translations persist in the processor's cache. This incorrect behavior stems from flawed logic in the driver's memory management code that fails to account for all possible memory access paths and translation scenarios. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of hardware memory management and kernel software implementation, where the driver's assumptions about memory translation behavior prove incorrect under certain conditions. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the design and implementation of memory management operations within kernel space components.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-4139 extends beyond simple system instability to encompass serious security implications that can be exploited by local attackers. A malicious user with local access can leverage this vulnerability to either crash the system through memory corruption or escalate privileges to gain elevated system access. The potential for data leakage exists because stale memory translations can expose sensitive information that should not be accessible to unprivileged users. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access but can result in privilege escalation that allows attackers to bypass standard security boundaries. Systems running affected kernel versions with Intel GPU hardware are particularly vulnerable, as the i915 driver's memory management code path directly handles GPU memory operations that trigger the TLB flush issue.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability as particularly dangerous due to its potential for privilege escalation and system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this flaw under privilege escalation techniques where local attackers can exploit kernel memory management weaknesses to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability's impact aligns with the ATT&CK tactic of privilege escalation through kernel exploits, specifically targeting the kernel's memory management subsystem as a vector for compromise. Organizations running Linux systems with Intel graphics hardware must understand that this vulnerability can be exploited through local user access to achieve system-level compromise, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4139 primarily focus on kernel updates and system hardening measures. The most effective approach involves applying the latest kernel patches that address the specific TLB flush implementation issue within the i915 driver. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the patched i915 driver components that correct the memory management behavior. Additionally, implementing kernel lockdown modes and restricting local user access can help minimize exploitation opportunities. Monitoring system logs for unusual memory access patterns or kernel crashes can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user privileges on systems containing affected hardware. The vulnerability's remediation requires careful attention to kernel version compatibility and thorough testing of updated systems to ensure continued functionality while addressing the memory management flaw.