CVE-2022-48880 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
platform/surface: aggregator: Add missing call to ssam_request_sync_free()
Although rare, ssam_request_sync_init() can fail. In that case, the request should be freed via ssam_request_sync_free(). Currently it is leaked instead. Fix this.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48880 resides within the Linux kernel's surface platform aggregator subsystem, specifically affecting the handling of synchronous requests in the Surface Aggregator Manager. This issue manifests as a memory management flaw that occurs during the initialization phase of synchronous request structures. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-401 as a failure to release memory resources, representing a classic memory leak scenario that can accumulate over time and potentially lead to system instability or resource exhaustion.
The technical flaw occurs when the ssam_request_sync_init() function fails to properly initialize a synchronous request structure. This function, designed to set up the necessary data structures for synchronous communication with Surface Aggregator devices, can encounter various failure conditions during execution. When such failures occur, the code path should invoke ssam_request_sync_free() to properly clean up the allocated resources and prevent memory leaks. However, the current implementation omits this critical cleanup call, resulting in memory allocation that remains unreleased even though the initialization process has failed. This represents a fundamental error in resource management where the system fails to maintain proper resource accounting and cleanup procedures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption, as it can contribute to progressive system degradation and potential denial of service conditions. In environments where Surface Aggregator devices are frequently accessed or where the system handles multiple concurrent requests, repeated occurrences of this leak can lead to gradual memory exhaustion. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems or devices where memory resources are constrained, as even small memory leaks can compound over time to cause system instability or complete system crashes. The rarity of occurrence does not diminish its significance, as memory leaks can be difficult to detect and may only become apparent under specific usage patterns or extended system operation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on ensuring proper resource management and implementing defensive programming practices. The primary fix involves adding the missing call to ssam_request_sync_free() in all code paths where ssam_request_sync_init() might fail, ensuring that cleanup operations occur regardless of initialization success or failure. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1490 which addresses resource exhaustion attacks, and follows the principle of defensive programming that requires cleanup operations to be performed even when error conditions occur. System administrators should ensure that affected systems are updated with kernel versions containing the patched implementation, and monitoring should be implemented to track memory usage patterns that might indicate resource leak accumulation. Additionally, the fix should be validated through comprehensive testing to ensure that no regressions are introduced in the normal operation of the surface platform aggregator subsystem while maintaining the integrity of resource management practices.