CVE-2022-48710 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drm/radeon: fix a possible null pointer dereference
In radeon_fp_native_mode(), the return value of drm_mode_duplicate() is assigned to mode, which will lead to a NULL pointer dereference on failure of drm_mode_duplicate(). Add a check to avoid npd.
The failure status of drm_cvt_mode() on the other path is checked too.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48710 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the Linux kernel's Radeon graphics driver subsystem. This issue resides in the drm/radeon component which manages display rendering operations for Radeon graphics hardware. The vulnerability manifests in the radeon_fp_native_mode() function where improper error handling leads to potential system crashes and instability. The flaw occurs when the drm_mode_duplicate() function fails during mode duplication operations, yet the code does not properly validate the return value before proceeding with subsequent operations that assume a valid pointer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling practices within the graphics driver's mode management logic. When drm_mode_duplicate() encounters a failure condition, it returns a NULL pointer which the radeon_fp_native_mode() function does not properly check for before attempting to dereference the mode variable. This pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a predictable crash scenario that can be exploited to cause system instability. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which involves system denial of service through exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially compromise the entire graphics subsystem and underlying operating system stability. When triggered, the null pointer dereference can cause the graphics driver to crash, leading to display corruption, system hangs, or complete system reboot. This represents a significant risk in environments where system stability is paramount such as servers, embedded systems, or mission-critical applications. The vulnerability affects all Linux systems running kernel versions that include the affected drm/radeon driver components, making it a widespread concern across various deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48710 focus primarily on applying the official kernel patches that introduce proper error checking mechanisms. The fix implemented by the Linux kernel development team involves adding explicit validation checks after drm_mode_duplicate() calls to ensure the returned pointer is not NULL before proceeding with further operations. Additionally, the patch extends similar validation to drm_cvt_mode() function calls on alternative code paths to prevent similar issues from occurring elsewhere in the driver logic. System administrators should prioritize applying the patched kernel versions as soon as possible, particularly in production environments where graphics stability is critical. Regular kernel updates and security monitoring practices should be maintained to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the graphics driver subsystem. The fix demonstrates proper defensive programming practices that align with industry security standards and helps prevent similar null pointer dereference scenarios from occurring in other kernel subsystems.