CVE-2022-49252 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ASoC: codecs: rx-macro: fix accessing array out of bounds for enum type
Accessing enums using integer would result in array out of bounds access on platforms like aarch64 where sizeof(long) is 8 compared to enum size which is 4 bytes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2022-49252 represents a critical memory safety issue within the Linux kernel's audio subsystem, specifically affecting the Advanced SoC Audio Codec driver implementation. This flaw manifests in the rx-macro codec component where improper handling of enumeration types leads to buffer overflow conditions. The root cause stems from a fundamental mismatch between data type sizes on different architectural platforms, creating a scenario where integer-based enumeration access attempts to traverse memory boundaries beyond the allocated array limits. The issue particularly impacts aarch64 platforms where the long integer type occupies 8 bytes while enum types are constrained to 4 bytes, creating a significant disparity that enables unauthorized memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental difference in data type sizing between 32-bit and 64-bit architectures within the kernel's audio codec handling mechanisms. When the system processes enumeration values through integer variables, the code fails to account for the architectural variation in data type sizes, resulting in out-of-bounds memory access attempts. This condition occurs during the enumeration type processing within the rx-macro codec driver, where the kernel attempts to map integer values to array indices without proper validation against the actual enum size constraints. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate integer values that should remain within enum boundaries, causing the system to access memory locations beyond the intended array limits.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially enabling privilege escalation and system stability compromise within embedded audio processing environments. The flaw affects systems utilizing the Advanced SoC framework for audio codec management, particularly those running on aarch64 architectures where the memory layout differences are most pronounced. Attackers could potentially exploit this condition to execute arbitrary code within kernel space, leverage the memory corruption for privilege escalation, or cause system crashes that result in denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in embedded systems and mobile devices that rely heavily on the Linux kernel's audio subsystem for device functionality, as these platforms often lack robust memory protection mechanisms compared to server environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-49252 require immediate kernel updates incorporating the patch that properly validates enumeration access patterns against array boundaries. The fix implements proper size checking mechanisms that ensure integer values used for enum access remain within valid array index ranges regardless of architectural platform differences. System administrators should prioritize applying the patched kernel versions as soon as possible, particularly in production environments where audio codec functionality is critical. Additional protective measures include implementing kernel module hardening techniques, enabling kernel address space layout randomization, and monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their embedded audio processing systems to identify any potential variants or similar issues within their custom kernel modifications or third-party drivers that might exhibit comparable memory safety flaws.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs, and CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations. The exploit pattern follows ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in kernel drivers to gain elevated privileges. The fix demonstrates proper input validation and bounds checking implementation, which are fundamental security practices recommended by both NIST and ISO/IEC 27001 standards for maintaining system integrity and preventing memory corruption attacks in operating system kernels.