CVE-2022-50501 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
media: coda: Add check for dcoda_iram_alloc
As the coda_iram_alloc may return NULL pointer, it should be better to check the return value in order to avoid NULL poineter dereference, same as the others.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-50501 resides within the Linux kernel's coda file system implementation, specifically in the media subsystem where the coda driver manages communication with certain storage devices. This flaw represents a classic null pointer dereference issue that could potentially lead to system instability or denial of service conditions when the coda driver attempts to allocate memory for infrared remote control functionality. The coda driver interfaces with hardware devices that utilize infrared communication protocols, requiring memory allocation for infrared remote control data structures.
The technical root cause stems from insufficient validation of memory allocation return values within the coda_iram_alloc function, which is responsible for allocating infrared memory resources for remote control operations. When this allocation function returns a NULL pointer indicating failed memory allocation, the calling code fails to perform proper validation before proceeding with operations that assume the allocation was successful. This pattern of missing null pointer checks creates a condition where subsequent dereference operations on the NULL pointer result in kernel-level crashes or system hangs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system stability concerns as it could be exploited by malicious actors to cause denial of service attacks against systems running affected kernel versions. When the coda driver encounters a memory allocation failure during infrared remote control operations, the lack of proper error handling leads to immediate system termination or reboot cycles. This affects systems that rely on coda file system support, particularly those with infrared remote control capabilities or embedded hardware devices that utilize this driver interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where system uptime is critical and automatic restarts could disrupt business operations.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigation strategies including kernel updates to versions containing the patched code that properly validates the return values from coda_iram_alloc function calls. The fix involves adding explicit null pointer checks before any operations that might dereference the allocation result, following standard secure coding practices outlined in the CWE-476 weakness category which specifically addresses null pointer dereference vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual system restart patterns or kernel oops messages that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework's T1499.004 technique for network denial of service could be relevant if attackers leverage this vulnerability to cause system-wide disruptions, while the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter usage might apply if exploitation involves crafting specific infrared commands to trigger the vulnerability. System administrators should prioritize patching systems with coda file system support and implement proper kernel memory allocation validation monitoring to prevent exploitation of this memory management flaw.