CVE-2022-49475 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
spi: spi-fsl-qspi: check return value after calling platform_get_resource_byname()
It will cause null-ptr-deref if platform_get_resource_byname() returns NULL, we need check the return value.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-49475 resides within the Linux kernel's spi-fsl-qspi driver, which is responsible for managing Quad SPI flash interfaces on certain embedded systems. This particular flaw represents a classic null pointer dereference issue that can lead to system instability and potential exploitation. The vulnerability manifests when the driver attempts to access hardware resource information through the platform_get_resource_byname() function without proper validation of its return value. This function is designed to retrieve resource information from the device tree or platform data, but when it fails to locate the requested resource, it returns NULL instead of a valid resource pointer. The absence of proper error handling in the spi-fsl-qspi driver creates a scenario where subsequent code execution attempts to dereference this NULL pointer, resulting in an immediate system crash or potential privilege escalation depending on the execution context.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. This weakness occurs when a program attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly validated to ensure it points to a valid memory location. In the context of kernel space operations, such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited to cause denial of service or potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1499.004, specifically targeting the exploitation of memory corruption weaknesses in kernel modules, which can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-49475 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can affect embedded systems and devices that rely on Quad SPI flash memory for critical operations such as boot code storage, firmware updates, and configuration data management. Devices using Freescale QSPI controllers, particularly those found in automotive systems, industrial embedded platforms, and network infrastructure equipment, are at risk when running affected kernel versions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered during normal device initialization sequences, making it difficult to detect and potentially allowing for persistent system instability that could affect device availability and operational reliability. The lack of proper error handling in kernel drivers demonstrates a fundamental flaw in defensive programming practices that could expose systems to broader exploitation vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve applying the kernel patch that was developed to address the specific null pointer dereference issue. The fix implements proper validation of the platform_get_resource_byname() return value before proceeding with resource access operations. System administrators should prioritize updating affected kernel versions to patched releases, particularly in environments where these embedded devices are deployed. Additional protective measures include implementing proper kernel module access controls, monitoring for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, and maintaining updated security patches across all embedded systems. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to reduce the effectiveness of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough error handling in kernel space code and demonstrates how seemingly minor oversight in resource management can lead to significant security implications across embedded systems infrastructure.