CVE-2022-49028 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ixgbevf: Fix resource leak in ixgbevf_init_module()
ixgbevf_init_module() won't destroy the workqueue created by create_singlethread_workqueue() when pci_register_driver() failed. Add destroy_workqueue() in fail path to prevent the resource leak.
Similar to the handling of u132_hcd_init in commit f276e002793c ("usb: u132-hcd: fix resource leak")
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-49028 resides within the Linux kernel's ixgbevf driver implementation, specifically affecting the ixgbevf_init_module() function. This issue represents a classic resource management flaw that occurs during driver initialization when the pci_register_driver() function fails. The problem manifests as a memory leak where the workqueue allocated through create_singlethread_workqueue() remains uninitialized and unreleased, creating a persistent resource leak that can accumulate over time. The vulnerability directly impacts the ixgbevf driver which is responsible for Intel's 10 Gigabit Ethernet virtual function network adapters, commonly used in virtualized environments and cloud computing infrastructures where multiple virtual machines share physical hardware resources.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate error handling within the driver initialization sequence where proper cleanup routines are not executed when the pci_register_driver() call fails. When this registration process encounters an error condition, the function fails to invoke destroy_workqueue() on the workqueue that was successfully created by create_singlethread_workqueue() earlier in the initialization process. This failure to clean up allocated resources creates a memory leak that can persist throughout the system's operational lifetime. The vulnerability is classified as a resource leak under CWE-404, which specifically addresses the improper release or disposal of resources, and represents a failure in the driver's defensive programming practices. The issue is particularly concerning in virtualized environments where multiple instances of the driver may be initialized, potentially leading to significant memory consumption and system performance degradation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory consumption, as it can lead to system instability and resource exhaustion in environments with high driver initialization frequency or in systems where multiple virtual functions are active. In cloud computing and virtualization scenarios, where numerous virtual machines may be provisioned and destroyed rapidly, the cumulative effect of these resource leaks can result in memory pressure that affects overall system performance and potentially causes service disruptions. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with the ixgbevf driver, particularly those utilizing Intel 10 Gigabit Ethernet virtual function adapters in virtualized environments. The issue is exacerbated in long-running systems where the resource leak accumulates over time, potentially leading to memory fragmentation and reduced system responsiveness. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in security-critical environments where system stability and resource management are paramount.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2022-49028 involves applying the kernel patch that implements proper resource cleanup in the error handling path of the ixgbevf_init_module() function. The solution mirrors the approach taken in the usb u132-hcd driver fix referenced in commit f276e002793c, demonstrating a consistent pattern of addressing similar resource management issues across the Linux kernel codebase. System administrators should ensure their Linux distributions are updated to include the patched kernel version that resolves this vulnerability. The fix implements a defensive programming approach where cleanup operations are performed regardless of initialization success or failure, aligning with the principle of least privilege and resource conservation. Organizations running virtualized environments or systems with Intel 10 Gigabit Ethernet virtual function adapters should prioritize patching to prevent potential memory exhaustion scenarios. The vulnerability's resolution demonstrates the importance of comprehensive error handling and resource management in kernel drivers, particularly in virtualized environments where resource constraints can have cascading effects on system performance and availability. This type of vulnerability is often categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1070.004 for Indicator Removal on Host, though in this case it represents the absence of proper cleanup rather than malicious removal, highlighting the importance of proper resource management in maintaining system integrity.