CVE-2022-44447 in SC9863A
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2023
In wlan driver, there is a possible null pointer dereference issue due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local denial of service in wlan services.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-44447 resides within wireless local area network driver components, specifically manifesting as a potential null pointer dereference condition. This flaw occurs when the driver fails to perform adequate bounds checking on input data structures or parameters before attempting to access memory locations. The absence of proper validation mechanisms creates an exploitable condition where malicious input or unexpected system states can cause the driver to attempt accessing a null memory reference, resulting in system instability.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability represents a classic implementation flaw that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of weak input validation and improper error handling. The missing bounds check typically occurs during processing of wireless network frames or configuration parameters where the driver assumes certain memory locations contain valid data without verifying their existence or proper initialization. This type of error commonly stems from inadequate defensive programming practices and insufficient input sanitization routines within the kernel-space driver code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to local denial of service scenarios within wireless networking services, where an attacker with local access or specific network conditions could trigger the null pointer dereference. When the driver encounters the malformed input or unexpected state, the system typically experiences a kernel panic or service crash, effectively disrupting wireless connectivity for the affected device. The severity of this issue is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where wireless infrastructure reliability is critical, as it could lead to widespread service disruption across multiple devices or network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-44447 should focus on implementing proper bounds checking mechanisms throughout the driver codebase, particularly in wireless frame processing and configuration handling routines. System administrators should prioritize applying vendor-provided patches and firmware updates that address the specific null pointer dereference condition. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and input validation controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers might leverage local access to craft specific inputs that trigger the memory access violation. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can further reduce the attack surface by limiting local access to wireless driver components and preventing unauthorized exploitation attempts.