CVE-2022-49758 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
reset: uniphier-glue: Fix possible null-ptr-deref
It will cause null-ptr-deref when resource_size(res) invoked, if platform_get_resource() returns NULL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2022-49758 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's uniphier glue driver component. This flaw exists in the reset subsystem where the kernel fails to properly validate resource pointers before attempting to access them. The vulnerability specifically manifests when platform_get_resource() function returns a NULL pointer, but the subsequent code path does not perform adequate null checks before invoking resource_size() function. This scenario creates a condition where the kernel attempts to dereference a null pointer, leading to potential system crashes or unauthorized access to kernel memory spaces. The issue resides in the uniphier glue driver which manages reset controls for certain SoC platforms, making it particularly concerning for embedded systems and hardware platforms that rely on this specific driver implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward code path that bypasses proper error handling mechanisms. When platform_get_resource() fails to locate or retrieve a requested resource, it returns NULL to indicate the failure condition. However, the subsequent code does not validate this return value before passing it to resource_size() function call. According to the common weakness enumeration standard CWE-476, this represents a null pointer dereference vulnerability where the program fails to check for null return values from functions that may legitimately return NULL. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques as the null pointer dereference can lead to kernel memory corruption, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where proper error handling and input validation are omitted, creating an exploitable condition that can be triggered through specific hardware platform initialization sequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-49758 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. When a null pointer dereference occurs in kernel space, it can result in immediate system instability, leading to denial of service conditions that may persist until system reboot. More critically, if attackers can control the conditions that lead to this null pointer dereference, they may be able to manipulate kernel memory structures, potentially leading to privilege escalation or information disclosure. The vulnerability affects systems using the uniphier glue driver specifically, which is commonly found in embedded systems and hardware platforms manufactured by Socionext. This includes various network appliances, embedded devices, and industrial control systems that rely on these specific SoC platforms. The impact is particularly severe in environments where continuous system availability is critical, as the vulnerability can cause unexpected system failures that may go undetected until system monitoring mechanisms are triggered.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-49758 should focus on implementing proper null pointer validation and defensive programming practices within the affected kernel components. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the kernel code to ensure that platform_get_resource() return values are properly validated before being passed to resource_size() function calls. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and defensive programming as recommended by industry security standards. System administrators should prioritize applying kernel updates that contain the fix for this vulnerability, particularly in production environments where the affected hardware platforms are deployed. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they lead to system compromise. The fix typically involves adding simple conditional checks that verify whether the resource pointer is valid before proceeding with operations that depend on it. Organizations should also conduct thorough testing of kernel updates to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing hardware configurations or system functionality. Regular security assessments and kernel security audits should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in other driver components that may exhibit similar null pointer dereference patterns.