CVE-2022-48502 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/31/2023
An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 6.2. The ntfs3 subsystem does not properly check for correctness during disk reads, leading to an out-of-bounds read in ntfs_set_ea in fs/ntfs3/xattr.c.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48502 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the Linux kernel's ntfs3 filesystem subsystem. This issue affects kernel versions prior to 6.2 and specifically manifests in the ntfs_set_ea function located in the fs/ntfs3/xattr.c file. The ntfs3 subsystem handles NTFS filesystem operations for the Linux kernel, making this vulnerability particularly significant for systems that utilize NTFS partitions or files. The flaw occurs during disk read operations when the subsystem fails to properly validate data integrity, creating a scenario where memory access extends beyond the bounds of allocated buffers. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure, system instability, or potential exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the extended attributes handling mechanism of the ntfs3 filesystem driver. When the ntfs_set_ea function processes extended attributes during filesystem operations, it fails to perform proper bounds checking on data retrieved from disk. This oversight allows malicious actors to potentially craft specially formatted NTFS filesystem structures that trigger memory access violations. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which involves the exploitation of system vulnerabilities through crafted inputs. The out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive kernel memory contents, leading to information disclosure that may aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that NTFS is a widely used filesystem format, particularly in enterprise environments where Linux systems may interact with NTFS volumes.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-48502 extends beyond simple data corruption or system instability. An attacker who can control the contents of an NTFS filesystem or influence the data read from such volumes may exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory regions. This could potentially lead to privilege escalation or complete system compromise depending on the specific memory locations accessed. The vulnerability affects systems that mount NTFS volumes, including those running Linux distributions that support NTFS3 filesystem support, which is common in desktop and server environments. The out-of-bounds read could also cause system crashes or denial of service conditions, impacting availability of critical services. Organizations using Linux systems that interact with NTFS storage should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority concern, particularly in environments where NTFS volumes are mounted or accessed through network protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48502 primarily focus on kernel version updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Linux kernel version 6.2 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the bounds checking deficiencies in the ntfs3 subsystem. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those that mount NTFS volumes or interact with NTFS filesystems. Additional mitigations include implementing proper filesystem access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious NTFS content, disabling NTFS support when not required, and monitoring system logs for unusual activity related to filesystem operations. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to systems that may mount NTFS volumes, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel subsystems and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in filesystem handling can have significant security implications. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability through network-based attacks or malicious file transfers that could trigger the out-of-bounds read condition.