CVE-2022-49025 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/mlx5e: Fix use-after-free when reverting termination table
When having multiple dests with termination tables and second one or afterwards fails the driver reverts usage of term tables but doesn't reset the assignment in attr->dests[num_vport_dests].termtbl
which case a use-after-free when releasing the rule. Fix by resetting the assignment of termtbl to null.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2022-49025 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Linux kernel's mlx5e network driver, specifically affecting Mellanox ConnectX series network adapters. This flaw manifests in scenarios involving multiple destination entries with termination tables, where the driver's handling of failed termination table operations creates a persistent memory reference issue. The vulnerability stems from improper state management during error recovery processes, where the driver correctly identifies and reverts the usage of termination tables but fails to properly nullify the corresponding attribute assignments. This oversight creates a scenario where freed memory remains referenced through the termination table pointer, leading to potential system instability and exploitation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the mlx5e driver's rule management subsystem, where termination tables serve as critical data structures for packet forwarding decisions. When multiple destinations are configured with termination tables and subsequent tables fail during operation, the driver attempts to revert the termination table usage to maintain proper network functionality. However, the attribute structure at attr->dests[num_vport_dests].termtbl retains its reference to the previously freed termination table memory location. This memory management error creates a classic use-after-free condition where subsequent memory operations attempt to access deallocated resources, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The flaw specifically affects the network driver's ability to properly clean up resources during error recovery scenarios, violating fundamental memory safety principles and creating a persistent security risk.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-49025 extends beyond simple system instability, presenting significant security implications for network infrastructure deployments. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, effectively compromising the entire system's security posture. The vulnerability's exploitation requires specific network configuration conditions involving multiple termination table entries, making it less common but no less dangerous. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with Mellanox network adapters are at risk, particularly in high-availability environments where network reliability is paramount. The use-after-free condition can lead to denial of service attacks that systematically crash network services or potentially allow privilege escalation, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-49025 primarily involve applying the official kernel patches released by the Linux kernel community, which address the root cause by properly resetting the termination table assignment to null during error recovery operations. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions containing the fix, typically kernel versions 5.19 and later, which include the necessary modifications to prevent the improper memory reference. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring can help detect anomalous network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix aligns with CWE-416, which addresses use-after-free vulnerabilities, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for privilege escalation through kernel exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and control flow integrity mechanisms to provide additional defense layers against potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of network infrastructure components and timely patch management remain essential practices for maintaining system security posture against similar vulnerabilities.