CVE-2022-48992 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ASoC: soc-pcm: Add NULL check in BE reparenting
Add NULL check in dpcm_be_reparent API, to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference error. The issue occurred in fuzzing test.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-48992 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the Linux kernel's sound subsystem, specifically affecting the Advanced SoC Audio Component framework. This issue manifests in the digital pulse code modulation (DPCM) backend reparenting functionality, where the system fails to properly validate pointer references during audio stream management operations. The vulnerability was discovered through systematic fuzzing tests, highlighting the importance of robust input validation in kernel space operations that directly impact system stability and security.
The technical flaw exists within the dpcm_be_reparent application programming interface which handles the reparenting of backend audio components in the sound subsystem. When the kernel processes audio stream configurations, particularly during dynamic component reconfiguration, the API does not perform adequate null pointer validation before dereferencing pointers that may have been initialized to NULL. This omission creates a scenario where malicious or malformed audio stream requests can trigger a kernel panic through null pointer dereference, effectively causing system crashes and potential denial of service conditions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-476 which identifies null pointer dereference as a common weakness in software security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it represents a potential attack vector for adversaries seeking to disrupt audio services or compromise system integrity. In embedded systems or devices where audio functionality is critical, such as automotive infotainment systems, IoT devices, or industrial audio equipment, this vulnerability could enable attackers to cause system crashes or potentially escalate privileges through kernel exploitation. The fuzzing-based discovery method indicates that this vulnerability could be exploited through carefully crafted audio stream parameters, making it particularly concerning for systems that process untrusted audio input streams. According to ATT&CK framework category T1499, this vulnerability could facilitate system disruption and potentially lead to broader compromise through kernel-level exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-48992 should focus on immediate kernel updates to versions containing the patched dpcm_be_reparent implementation with proper null pointer checks. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running older kernel versions or custom audio configurations. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation for audio stream parameters, monitoring for unusual audio subsystem behavior, and maintaining updated security monitoring tools that can detect kernel-level anomalies. The fix implemented in the patched kernel version adds explicit NULL pointer validation before any dereference operations, preventing the kernel from crashing when encountering malformed backend component references. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation for audio processing systems and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other kernel subsystems that may present similar null pointer dereference risks.