CVE-2022-49060 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/smc: Fix NULL pointer dereference in smc_pnet_find_ib()
dev_name() was called with dev.parent as argument but without to NULL-check it before. Solve this by checking the pointer before the call to dev_name().
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-49060 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within the Linux kernel's SMC (Scalable Memory Communication) subsystem. This issue specifically affects the smc_pnet_find_ib() function which handles the identification and management of InfiniBand network devices within the SMC framework. The flaw arises from improper pointer validation during device name retrieval operations, creating a potential crash condition that could be exploited to disrupt system operations or potentially escalate privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental lack of input validation within the kernel's networking subsystem. When the smc_pnet_find_ib() function attempts to call dev_name() with dev.parent as its argument, it fails to verify whether the dev.parent pointer is valid or NULL before making the function call. This pattern violates standard kernel programming practices and security principles that mandate thorough input validation before dereferencing any pointer. The absence of this NULL check creates a scenario where a malicious actor could potentially manipulate network device structures to trigger the dereference of a NULL pointer, leading to immediate system termination or unexpected behavior.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems relying on SMC functionality, particularly in high-performance computing environments where InfiniBand connectivity is essential. The flaw could result in system crashes, service disruptions, or denial of service conditions that would affect network communication capabilities. While the immediate impact may appear limited to kernel-level operations, the potential for exploitation extends beyond simple crashes, as demonstrated by similar vulnerabilities in the Linux kernel ecosystem where NULL pointer dereferences have been leveraged for privilege escalation or information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions prior to the patch release that addressed this specific issue.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2022-49060 involves applying the official kernel patch that implements proper NULL pointer validation before calling dev_name(). This fix aligns with established security practices and follows the principle of least privilege by ensuring all external inputs are validated before processing. Organizations should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include this patch, particularly in production environments where SMC functionality is utilized. The fix demonstrates adherence to CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities, and represents a fundamental defensive programming technique that should be applied throughout kernel development. Security teams should monitor for similar patterns in other kernel subsystems and ensure comprehensive testing of kernel updates before deployment to maintain system stability and security posture.
This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of rigorous input validation in kernel space programming and highlights the critical nature of maintaining robust security controls within core operating system components. The resolution of CVE-2022-49060 demonstrates the Linux kernel development community's commitment to addressing security issues promptly while maintaining system reliability and preventing potential exploitation scenarios that could compromise network infrastructure.