CVE-2022-48650 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
scsi: qla2xxx: Fix memory leak in __qlt_24xx_handle_abts()
Commit 8f394da36a36 ("scsi: qla2xxx: Drop TARGET_SCF_LOOKUP_LUN_FROM_TAG") made the __qlt_24xx_handle_abts() function return early if tcm_qla2xxx_find_cmd_by_tag() didn't find a command, but it missed to clean up the allocated memory for the management command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2022-48650 represents a memory leak within the Linux kernel's SCSI qla2xxx driver implementation, specifically affecting the target mode functionality of QLogic Fibre Channel HBAs. This issue manifests in the __qlt_24xx_handle_abts() function where the driver fails to properly release allocated memory resources when handling asynchronous abort sequences. The root cause stems from a code change in commit 8f394da36a36 that introduced early return logic to optimize command lookup operations but inadvertently omitted the cleanup of management command memory allocation. This particular memory leak occurs within the target mode subsystem of the qla2xxx driver, which is responsible for handling SCSI target operations in QLogic Fibre Channel adapters.
The technical flaw involves improper resource management where memory allocated for management commands remains unreleased when the tcm_qla2xxx_find_cmd_by_tag() function fails to locate a matching command. This condition creates a persistent memory leak that accumulates over time as the system processes ABTS (Abort Task Set) sequences. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems running Linux kernels with the qla2xxx driver in target mode, where Fibre Channel target operations are actively performed. The memory leak directly violates proper resource management principles and can lead to progressive system resource exhaustion, particularly affecting systems with high I/O workloads or extended uptime periods.
The operational impact of this memory leak extends beyond simple resource consumption, potentially leading to system instability and performance degradation in environments where the affected driver is actively used. As memory allocation remains unreleased, the system's available memory pool gradually diminishes, which can result in increased garbage collection overhead, potential out-of-memory conditions, or forced system reboots. This vulnerability affects enterprise storage environments using QLogic Fibre Channel HBAs in target mode configurations, where continuous operation and high availability are critical requirements. The leak can compound over time, making it particularly problematic in long-running systems or those handling substantial amounts of SCSI target traffic.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48650 involve applying the kernel patch that corrects the memory cleanup logic in the __qlt_24xx_handle_abts() function to ensure proper deallocation occurs regardless of command lookup success. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the fix from commit 8f394da36a36 or apply the specific patch addressing this memory leak. Monitoring system memory usage and tracking kernel logs for potential resource exhaustion indicators should be implemented as part of ongoing security operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-401, which categorizes memory leaks as a critical weakness in software design, and may be relevant to ATT&CK technique T1490 for resource exhaustion attacks that could be amplified by such memory management flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of kernel security updates across their infrastructure.