CVE-2022-50469 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/01/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
staging: rtl8723bs: fix potential memory leak in rtw_init_drv_sw()
In rtw_init_drv_sw(), there are various init functions are called to populate the padapter structure and some checks for their return value. However, except for the first one error path, the other five error paths do not properly release the previous allocated resources, which leads to various memory leaks.
This patch fixes them and keeps the success and error separate. Note that these changes keep the form of `rtw_init_drv_sw()` in "drivers/staging/r8188eu/os_dep/os_intfs.c". As there is no proper device to test with, no runtime testing was performed.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-50469 resides within the Linux kernel's staging driver for rtl8723bs wireless devices, specifically in the rtw_init_drv_sw() function located in drivers/staging/r8188eu/os_dep/os_intfs.c. This issue represents a classic memory management flaw that occurs during driver initialization when the system attempts to allocate resources for device operation but fails to properly clean up previously allocated memory upon encountering subsequent errors. The vulnerability manifests as a potential memory leak that can accumulate over time, particularly in systems where the driver initialization process is repeatedly invoked.
The technical flaw stems from improper resource management within the driver initialization sequence where multiple initialization functions are called to populate the padapter structure with necessary configuration data. While the first error path correctly handles resource cleanup, the remaining five error paths fail to release previously allocated memory resources, creating a cascade of memory leaks. This pattern violates fundamental memory management principles and can lead to progressive memory exhaustion, ultimately degrading system performance or causing system instability. The vulnerability is classified as a memory leak under CWE-401, specifically CWE-401: Improper Release of Memory Before Removing Last Reference, which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource waste, as it can contribute to system instability and performance degradation in environments where wireless networking is heavily utilized. Memory leaks in kernel space drivers can be particularly problematic because kernel memory is precious and limited, making such leaks more severe than similar issues in user-space applications. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with the rtl8723bs staging driver, potentially impacting devices such as USB wireless adapters, laptop networking, and embedded systems that rely on this specific hardware. Given the nature of kernel drivers, this vulnerability could also create conditions that might be exploited by malicious actors to consume system resources or potentially facilitate more sophisticated attacks.
The patch addressing this vulnerability implements proper error handling by ensuring that all previously allocated resources are released when subsequent initialization functions fail, maintaining separate success and error code paths. This approach aligns with best practices in secure coding and follows the principle of resource acquisition is initialization, where resources are properly managed and cleaned up regardless of execution path outcomes. While the patch maintains the original function structure to ensure compatibility, the lack of runtime testing due to limited device availability represents a gap in validation that security professionals should consider when assessing the overall risk profile. The fix demonstrates adherence to ATT&CK technique T1484.001: Valid Accounts, by ensuring proper resource management that prevents unauthorized resource consumption, though the vulnerability itself does not directly involve account compromise or privilege escalation. Organizations should prioritize applying this patch to systems utilizing the rtl8723bs driver to prevent potential memory exhaustion scenarios and maintain optimal system performance.