CVE-2022-48706 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
vdpa: ifcvf: Do proper cleanup if IFCVF init fails
ifcvf_mgmt_dev leaks memory if it is not freed before returning. Call is made to correct return statement so memory does not leak. ifcvf_init_hw does not take care of this so it is needed to do it here.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48706 resides within the Linux kernel's virtual data path acceleration subsystem, specifically affecting the Intel Foundation Cloud Virtual Function (IFCVF) implementation. This issue manifests in the vdpa subsystem where improper memory management occurs during device initialization failure scenarios. The flaw represents a classic memory leak condition that can lead to progressive resource exhaustion within the kernel's memory management framework. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing Intel's virtualization infrastructure components that rely on the IFCVF management device for virtual data path acceleration operations. When the initialization process encounters a failure condition, the kernel fails to properly release allocated memory resources, resulting in persistent memory leaks that can accumulate over time.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of memory cleanup within the ifcvf_init_hw function during error conditions. The IFCVF management device structure contains allocated memory resources that are not properly released when initialization fails, creating a memory leak scenario. This represents a fundamental flaw in the kernel's error handling mechanisms where the cleanup routine is not invoked consistently across all execution paths. The vulnerability specifically impacts the vdpa subsystem's ability to manage virtual device resources correctly, as the ifcvf_mgmt_dev structure retains memory allocations even when the initialization process terminates unsuccessfully. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that the standard return path does not include proper cleanup operations, leaving allocated kernel memory segments unreleased and potentially leading to system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption issues to potentially compromise system stability and performance. As memory leaks accumulate over time, the kernel's available memory pool gradually diminishes, which can lead to system slowdowns, memory allocation failures, and in severe cases, system crashes or out-of-memory conditions. This vulnerability affects virtualized environments that heavily utilize Intel's VDPA infrastructure, particularly those running multiple virtual machines or containers that require frequent device initialization and teardown operations. The memory leak can be particularly problematic in high-throughput server environments where rapid device provisioning and deprovisioning cycles occur. Additionally, the vulnerability may be exploited in resource exhaustion attacks where an attacker deliberately triggers multiple initialization failures to consume system memory resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve applying the kernel patch that ensures proper cleanup of the ifcvf_mgmt_dev structure regardless of initialization success or failure conditions. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel installations to versions containing the fix, which typically involves ensuring that memory cleanup operations are invoked before returning from the initialization function. The fix implements a defensive programming pattern that guarantees resource cleanup in error paths, aligning with best practices for kernel development and memory management. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect unusual memory consumption patterns that might indicate memory leak conditions. Regular kernel updates and vulnerability assessments should include verification of VDPA subsystem implementations, particularly those involving Intel's virtualization hardware acceleration features. The vulnerability's resolution demonstrates the importance of proper error handling and resource management in kernel subsystems, with implications for compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog under CWE-401 for improper cleanup of memory resources.