CVE-2022-44034 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2022
An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel through 6.0.6. drivers/char/pcmcia/scr24x_cs.c has a race condition and resultant use-after-free if a physically proximate attacker removes a PCMCIA device while calling open(), aka a race condition between scr24x_open() and scr24x_remove().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-44034 represents a critical race condition flaw within the Linux kernel version 6.0.6 and earlier, specifically affecting the PCMCIA subsystem. This issue manifests in the drivers/char/pcmcia/scr24x_cs.c file where improper synchronization between device open and removal operations creates a window of opportunity for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered by a physically proximate attacker who removes a PCMCIA device during the device open operation, creating a scenario where the kernel attempts to access memory that has already been freed.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental flaw in the synchronization mechanisms within the scr24x_open() and scr24x_remove() functions. When a PCMCIA device is being opened for access, the kernel establishes a reference to the device structure in memory. However, if an attacker physically removes the device during this process, the scr24x_remove() function may execute concurrently or immediately after the open operation begins, leading to a situation where the device structure is freed while still being referenced by the open operation. This results in a use-after-free condition that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it represents a serious security risk that could allow local privilege escalation or system compromise. The requirement for a physically proximate attacker reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the threat, particularly in environments where physical security is compromised or where attackers have the opportunity to manipulate hardware components. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-362, which describes a race condition where two or more threads access shared data concurrently, and the timing of their access creates a condition that leads to incorrect behavior. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the exploitation of legitimate credentials and system access to gain higher privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-44034 require immediate kernel updates to versions that contain the appropriate synchronization fixes for the PCMCIA subsystem. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing additional security controls such as device removal monitoring and access controls. The fix typically involves adding proper locking mechanisms to ensure that device removal operations cannot occur during active device access operations, preventing the race condition from being exploited. Organizations should also consider implementing hardware security measures and monitoring systems that can detect unauthorized physical access attempts to computing devices, particularly those that may be vulnerable to such attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper synchronization in kernel-level code and demonstrates how seemingly minor concurrency issues can result in significant security implications.