CVE-2022-49417 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
iwlwifi: mei: fix potential NULL-ptr deref
If SKB allocation fails, continue rather than using the NULL pointer.
Coverity CID: 1497650
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-49417 affects the linux kernel's iwlwifi driver component, specifically within the MEI (Management Engine Interface) subsystem. This issue represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw that could potentially lead to system instability or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability manifests in the wireless networking driver's handling of socket buffer (SKB) allocation failures, where the code fails to properly validate allocation outcomes before proceeding with subsequent operations. The flaw was discovered through static analysis tools and subsequently classified with Coverity CID 1497650, highlighting the importance of proper error handling in kernel space code.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error checking in the memory allocation pathway. When the kernel attempts to allocate socket buffers for wireless communication frames, the allocation process may fail due to memory pressure or other resource constraints. In the affected code path, the driver continues execution even when SKB allocation returns a NULL pointer, subsequently attempting to dereference this null pointer in subsequent operations. This pattern violates fundamental kernel programming practices and creates a direct pathway for system crashes or unexpected behavior. The issue specifically impacts the iwlwifi driver's MEI interface, which facilitates communication between the wireless device and the management engine within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. When a null pointer dereference occurs in kernel space, it can lead to system panics or complete system hangs that require manual intervention or reboot. In environments where wireless connectivity is critical, such as enterprise networks or embedded systems, this vulnerability could result in service disruption. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software systems. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw could be exploited to create persistent denial of service conditions against wireless networking functionality, potentially impacting network availability and system reliability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-49417 focus primarily on applying the upstream kernel patch that implements proper null pointer validation before proceeding with operations. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include the fix, which typically involves adding conditional checks to verify SKB allocation success before attempting to use the allocated memory. The fix implements a straightforward defensive programming approach where the code checks for allocation failure and appropriately handles the error condition by continuing execution or returning appropriate error codes. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain regular kernel update schedules. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in kernel space code and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1489, which covers system service denial through kernel-level modifications. The fix represents a standard defensive programming pattern that should be applied across similar kernel subsystems to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components.