CVE-2022-48669 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/01/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
powerpc/pseries: Fix potential memleak in papr_get_attr()
`buf` is allocated in papr_get_attr(), and krealloc() of `buf` could fail. We need to free the original `buf` in the case of failure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2022-48669 represents a memory leak issue within the Linux kernel's powerpc/pseries subsystem, specifically affecting the papr_get_attr() function. This flaw manifests in the context of IBM Power Systems hardware platforms where the kernel handles platform-specific attribute retrieval operations. The vulnerability arises from inadequate error handling during memory reallocation operations, creating a potential memory management gap that could lead to resource exhaustion over time. The issue is particularly significant in server environments where continuous attribute queries might occur, as each failure scenario could contribute to progressive memory consumption.
The technical flaw occurs when the papr_get_attr() function allocates memory buffer space for platform attribute data retrieval and subsequently attempts to reallocate this buffer using krealloc() function. When krealloc() fails to allocate the requested memory space, the original buffer allocated in the initial allocation step is not properly freed, resulting in a memory leak. This represents a classic memory management error pattern where error paths in code do not properly clean up previously allocated resources. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-401 which categorizes memory leaks as a fundamental software weakness in memory management practices. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming where the code does not account for all possible execution paths, particularly error conditions that could occur during dynamic memory operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across Linux systems running on PowerPC-based platforms, particularly those implementing the pseries architecture. While the immediate effect may appear limited to memory consumption, the cumulative effect over time could degrade system performance or even contribute to system instability if memory resources become constrained. The vulnerability affects systems that regularly query platform attributes through the papr_get_attr() interface, which includes various management and monitoring operations. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to cause denial of service conditions by triggering repeated memory allocation failures, though the direct exploitation vector is limited compared to other memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1490 which covers resource exhaustion attacks that can be facilitated through memory leaks in kernel components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48669 involve applying the kernel patch that corrects the memory management error in the papr_get_attr() function. The fix ensures that when krealloc() fails, the original buffer allocation is properly freed before returning an error condition, thereby preventing the memory leak. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include this patch, particularly in production environments running IBM Power Systems where the vulnerability is most relevant. Monitoring for memory usage patterns on affected systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts or accumulation of leaked memory. The fix represents a standard defensive programming approach that follows the principle of freeing all allocated resources in error paths, aligning with secure coding practices recommended by both industry standards and kernel development communities. Regular kernel updates and vulnerability assessments should include verification of this specific fix to ensure complete remediation of the memory leak condition.