CVE-2022-50413 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: mac80211: fix use-after-free
We've already freed the assoc_data at this point, so need to use another copy of the AP (MLD) address instead.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-50413 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the Linux kernel's mac80211 wireless networking subsystem. This flaw specifically affects the management of wireless association data structures during the wireless network connection process. The issue manifests when the kernel attempts to utilize memory that has already been freed, creating a potential avenue for malicious exploitation that could lead to system instability or privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning within wireless networking contexts where kernel memory management is critical for maintaining secure and stable network operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the mac80211 subsystem responsible for handling 802.11 wireless networking protocols. When processing wireless association requests, the kernel frees the assoc_data structure but subsequently attempts to reference the same memory location for retrieving the AP (Access Point) Multicast Link (MLD) address. This fundamental error in memory lifecycle management creates a classic use-after-free scenario where freed memory is accessed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the freed memory contents or trigger memory corruption that could be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-50413 extends beyond simple system instability, as it represents a potential privilege escalation vector that could be leveraged by malicious actors within wireless network environments. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions that handle wireless networking operations become vulnerable to exploitation, particularly in environments where wireless access points or wireless clients are actively managed. The vulnerability affects the core wireless networking functionality of Linux systems, potentially impacting devices ranging from desktop computers to embedded systems and servers that rely on wireless connectivity for network operations. This flaw aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software systems.
Security implications of this vulnerability include the potential for remote code execution within kernel space, which could allow attackers to gain full system control without requiring local access. The attack surface is particularly relevant in wireless network environments where malicious actors could potentially exploit this condition during wireless association processes, especially when devices are connecting to wireless networks. The vulnerability demonstrates how memory management errors in kernel code can create persistent security risks that affect the fundamental integrity of operating system operations and wireless networking capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-50413 primarily focus on applying the relevant kernel security patches released by the Linux kernel development team. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the fix that properly handles the association data structure lifecycle management within the mac80211 subsystem. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual wireless association patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix specifically addresses the issue by ensuring that the AP MLD address is retrieved from a valid memory location rather than the freed assoc_data structure, preventing the use-after-free condition. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in kernel-space code and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing wireless network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors while awaiting patch deployment, as the vulnerability affects core wireless networking functionality that many systems depend upon for network connectivity and operations.