CVE-2022-49302 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
USB: host: isp116x: check return value after calling platform_get_resource()
It will cause null-ptr-deref if platform_get_resource() returns NULL, we need check the return value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2022-49302 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's USB host controller driver for the isp116x chipset. This flaw exists in the device driver subsystem where the kernel fails to properly validate the return value from the platform_get_resource() function before proceeding with subsequent operations. The isp116x USB host controller driver is responsible for managing USB communications through specific hardware interfaces, particularly in embedded systems and industrial applications where this chipset is commonly deployed. When the platform_get_resource() function returns NULL indicating that it could not obtain the required hardware resource information, the driver continues execution without proper validation, leading to a dangerous null pointer dereference condition that can result in system crashes or potential privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental programming error in the driver initialization sequence where proper error handling mechanisms are absent. The platform_get_resource() function is designed to retrieve hardware resource information such as memory regions or interrupt lines required for device operation, but when hardware probing fails or resources are unavailable, it returns NULL. The driver code fails to check this return value before attempting to access the resource data structures, creating a classic null pointer dereference scenario. This pattern violates standard defensive programming practices and represents a CWE-476 Null Pointer Dereference vulnerability. According to the ATT&CK framework, this issue could be leveraged by an attacker to achieve privilege escalation or denial of service through carefully crafted hardware probing sequences or by manipulating the device tree configuration to force the driver into an error state.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-49302 extends beyond simple system instability as it affects the reliability of USB host controller functionality in embedded Linux systems. Systems utilizing isp116x USB controllers, particularly those in industrial control systems, automotive applications, or embedded networking equipment, could experience unexpected system crashes or complete system lockups when the driver encounters resource allocation failures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where USB connectivity is critical for system operation, as it could lead to complete system unavailability. Additionally, the null pointer dereference could potentially be exploited to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory spaces, though the specific exploitation vectors would depend on the system's memory protection mechanisms and the broader attack surface. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions prior to the fix, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining older kernel versions in production environments, particularly those with embedded systems that rely heavily on USB host functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-49302 focus on implementing proper error handling and validation within the affected driver code. The primary fix involves adding explicit return value checks after platform_get_resource() calls to ensure that resources are properly allocated before attempting to use them. System administrators should prioritize kernel updates to versions containing the fix, which typically includes proper validation of platform resource acquisition. Organizations should also implement robust testing procedures for device drivers, particularly focusing on error condition handling and resource management. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the Linux kernel security documentation and follows the principle of defensive programming. Additional mitigations include monitoring for system crashes related to USB subsystems and implementing proper logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. For systems where kernel updates are not immediately possible, implementing proper access controls and network segmentation can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough driver validation and error handling in kernel space code, emphasizing that all resource acquisition operations must include proper validation before subsequent operations are performed.