CVE-2022-48632 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
i2c: mlxbf: prevent stack overflow in mlxbf_i2c_smbus_start_transaction()
memcpy() is called in a loop while 'operation->length' upper bound is not checked and 'data_idx' also increments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48632 resides within the Linux kernel's i2c subsystem, specifically in the mlxbf_i2c driver implementation. This flaw manifests in the mlxbf_i2c_smbus_start_transaction() function where a memcpy() operation is executed within a loop structure without proper bounds checking on the operation->length parameter. The absence of validation allows for potential uncontrolled memory access patterns that could lead to system instability or security compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the driver's transaction handling mechanism. The function processes I2C operations through a loop where data_idx variable continues to increment while memcpy() operations occur, creating a scenario where the upper bound of operation->length is not properly enforced. This condition creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow risk as the loop continues to copy data beyond intended memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent stack variables or control structures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems utilizing Mellanox BlueField SoC platforms that rely on the mlxbf_i2c driver for I2C communication. The stack overflow could result in kernel crashes, system hangs, or potentially enable privilege escalation attacks if exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that I2C communication is fundamental to hardware device management and configuration within these systems, making it a critical pathway for potential exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption. This classification indicates that the flaw represents a well-documented pattern of memory safety issues that have been extensively studied in cybersecurity contexts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a privilege escalation technique or system compromise operation, potentially mapping to T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation and T1547 - Boot or Logon Autostart Execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48632 should prioritize applying the relevant kernel patches that implement proper bounds checking on the operation->length parameter within the mlxbf_i2c_smbus_start_transaction() function. System administrators should ensure that all affected systems running Linux kernels with the mlxbf_i2c driver are updated to versions containing the fix. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous I2C communication patterns or kernel panics that might indicate exploitation attempts should be implemented as part of defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to reduce the exploitability of similar vulnerabilities within the kernel's I2C subsystem.