CVE-2022-49544 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ipw2x00: Fix potential NULL dereference in libipw_xmit()
crypt and crypt->ops could be null, so we need to checking null before dereference
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-49544 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's ipw2x00 wireless driver module. This flaw exists in the libipw_xmit() function which handles packet transmission operations for Intel Pro/Wireless 2100 and 2200 series network adapters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the cryptographic subsystem of the wireless driver implementation. When the driver attempts to process network packets for transmission, it accesses the crypt structure and its associated operations pointer without first verifying that these critical data structures have been properly initialized. This oversight creates a scenario where a malicious actor could potentially trigger the null pointer dereference through crafted network traffic or specific driver states that lead to the execution path containing the vulnerable code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the ipw2x00 driver receives network packets that cause the cryptographic subsystem to fail initialization or remain in an uninitialized state. The libipw_xmit() function attempts to access crypt->ops without proper null checking, which results in a kernel panic or system crash when the kernel tries to dereference a null pointer. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-476 category of Null Pointer Dereference, which is classified as a fundamental programming error that can lead to system instability and potential privilege escalation. The issue is particularly concerning because it exists within kernel space code where any memory corruption or null pointer access can result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and highlights the importance of proper error handling in kernel modules that manage critical network operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-49544 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors within the context of the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and denial of service tactics. When a system running vulnerable kernel versions experiences this null pointer dereference, it results in immediate system instability and potential denial of service conditions that can affect network connectivity and overall system availability. The vulnerability affects systems utilizing Intel Pro/Wireless 2100 and 2200 series wireless network adapters, which were commonly deployed in enterprise and consumer environments during the early 2000s. The exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to cause persistent system crashes or potentially leverage the kernel memory corruption to escalate privileges, depending on the specific system configuration and attack surface. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation in kernel modules can create attack vectors that bypass traditional security measures and directly impact system integrity.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-49544 involve applying the official kernel patches that implement proper null pointer checking before dereferencing the crypt and crypt->ops pointers within the libipw_xmit() function. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions that contain the fix, typically those released after the vulnerability disclosure date, which addresses the root cause by adding explicit null checks before accessing the cryptographic operations structure. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts that might trigger the vulnerability through malformed network packets. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date security patches and following the principle of least privilege in wireless network configurations can help minimize the attack surface. The fix demonstrates the importance of defensive programming practices in kernel space code and the necessity of comprehensive input validation even in legacy driver implementations. Security teams should monitor for any potential indirect exploitation methods that might leverage this vulnerability as part of broader attack campaigns targeting wireless infrastructure components.