CVE-2022-48709 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ice: switch: fix potential memleak in ice_add_adv_recipe()
When ice_add_special_words() fails, the 'rm' is not released, which will lead to a memory leak. Fix this up by going to 'err_unroll' label.
Compile tested only.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48709 represents a memory leak issue within the Linux kernel's ice network driver component, specifically affecting the ice_switch module. This flaw exists in the ice_add_adv_recipe() function where proper resource management fails to occur upon error conditions. The issue manifests when the ice_add_special_words() function encounters a failure during execution, leaving the 'rm' variable in an unreleased state. This memory management oversight creates a persistent memory leak that can accumulate over time and potentially impact system stability. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing Intel Ethernet network adapters that rely on the ice driver for network functionality, particularly those running kernel versions that include the affected code path.
The technical root cause of this memory leak stems from inadequate error handling within the ice driver's advanced recipe addition functionality. When ice_add_special_words() fails, the code path does not properly execute the cleanup routine that would normally release the 'rm' memory allocation. This represents a classic resource management flaw where allocated memory is not freed upon function exit due to error conditions. The issue demonstrates poor adherence to defensive programming practices and proper error recovery mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a memory leak under CWE-401, specifically CWE-401: Improper Release of Memory Before Removing Last Reference, which occurs when memory allocated during function execution is not properly deallocated when the function encounters an error condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption issues to potentially affect system performance and stability over extended periods of operation. While the leak may appear minor in individual instances, continuous operation with multiple failed recipe additions can lead to progressive memory exhaustion, particularly on systems with limited available memory. This degradation can manifest as reduced system responsiveness, increased swap usage, or in severe cases, system instability or crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in server environments or embedded systems where long uptime is expected and memory resources are constrained. Network administrators should consider this issue when evaluating system reliability, especially in high-throughput network environments where the ice driver is heavily utilized.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48709 primarily involve applying the official kernel patch that implements proper error handling and resource cleanup. The fix addresses the issue by redirecting execution to an 'err_unroll' label when ice_add_special_words() fails, ensuring that the 'rm' variable is properly released before function exit. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions that contain this fix, particularly those that have been compiled and tested to address this specific memory leak. Regular kernel updates and security patches should be implemented as part of standard system maintenance procedures. Monitoring for memory usage patterns and system stability indicators can help detect the potential impact of this vulnerability in environments where patching may not be immediately possible. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security fixes across their network infrastructure.