CVE-2022-44448 in SC9863A
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2023
In wlan driver, there is a possible missing params 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-2022-44448 resides within wireless local area network driver components where a critical parameter validation flaw exists. This weakness manifests as a missing parameters check that could potentially compromise the stability and availability of wireless networking services. The vulnerability specifically affects the wlan driver subsystem which handles wireless communication protocols and network management functions. When parameters are not properly validated during driver operations, it creates an opportunity for malformed or unexpected inputs to bypass normal validation procedures. This condition typically occurs during routine driver initialization processes or when handling wireless network configuration parameters. The absence of proper parameter checking creates a path where invalid data can propagate through the driver stack without appropriate sanitization or validation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the driver codebase. When the wlan driver receives configuration parameters or network management commands, it fails to perform comprehensive checks on the incoming data before processing. This missing validation can occur in various contexts including wireless network authentication procedures, channel configuration settings, or power management parameters. The flaw represents a classic example of insufficient validation or sanitization as categorized under CWE-20, which addresses weakness in input handling. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where driver components interact directly with hardware resources and system memory management functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-44448 manifests primarily as a local denial of service condition affecting wlan services and wireless network functionality. An attacker with local access to a system could potentially exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious parameter inputs that trigger the driver to enter an unstable state. This could result in complete wireless service disruption, requiring system restart or manual intervention to restore normal operations. The denial of service could affect both personal and enterprise wireless connectivity, potentially impacting productivity in business environments where wireless networks are critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability's local nature means it requires physical or authenticated access to the target system, but it could be leveraged as part of broader attack chains where initial access is already established.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive parameter validation checks within the wlan driver code. System administrators should ensure all wireless driver updates are applied promptly, as vendors typically provide patches addressing such validation gaps. The remediation process involves adding proper input validation routines that verify parameter ranges, data types, and expected values before processing. Security teams should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous wireless network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through command-line interfaces, as attackers may attempt to leverage such validation flaws. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their wireless infrastructure to identify similar parameter validation weaknesses that could lead to similar denial of service conditions. The patching approach recommended by vendors typically involves strengthening the parameter validation logic within the driver's configuration handling functions to prevent malformed inputs from causing service disruptions.