CVE-2022-50698 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ASoC: da7219: Fix an error handling path in da7219_register_dai_clks()
If clk_hw_register() fails, the corresponding clk should not be unregistered.
To handle errors from loops, clean up partial iterations before doing the goto. So add a clk_hw_unregister(). Then use a while (--i >= 0) loop in the unwind section.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2026
The CVE-2022-50698 vulnerability resides within the Linux kernel's sound subsystem, specifically affecting the ASoC (Audio System on Chip) framework's da7219 driver implementation. This issue manifests as a flawed error handling mechanism during the registration process of clock hardware components, creating potential system instability and resource management concerns. The vulnerability impacts devices utilizing the da7219 audio codec driver which is commonly found in various embedded systems and mobile devices where audio processing capabilities are integrated into the system-on-chip architecture.
The technical flaw occurs within the da7219_register_dai_clks() function where the kernel fails to properly handle error conditions during clock hardware registration operations. When clk_hw_register() encounters a failure, the existing code path attempts to unregister previously registered clocks, but this cleanup process is incomplete and potentially dangerous. The improper error handling creates a scenario where partial clock registrations remain in an inconsistent state, leading to potential memory leaks or system crashes when the audio subsystem attempts to operate with malformed clock configurations. This represents a classic resource management error where cleanup operations are not properly executed in error scenarios, violating fundamental principles of defensive programming and system reliability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple error handling failures to potentially compromise system stability and audio functionality in affected devices. Systems utilizing the da7219 codec driver may experience unexpected audio interruptions, complete audio subsystem failures, or in worst-case scenarios, system crashes or lockups during audio initialization phases. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems and mobile devices where audio functionality is critical for user experience and system operation, as it could lead to complete device malfunction or require system reboots to recover from audio processing failures. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to cause denial-of-service conditions or create persistent audio-related system issues.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-50698 involve applying the official kernel patch that corrects the error handling path by implementing proper cleanup procedures for partial iterations in the clock registration process. The fix introduces a clk_hw_unregister() call to ensure that clock hardware components are properly cleaned up when errors occur, and employs a while (--i >= 0) loop structure in the unwind section to guarantee complete cleanup of partially registered clocks. This approach aligns with established security practices and follows the principle of least privilege by ensuring that system resources are properly managed even during error conditions. Organizations should prioritize applying the kernel update containing this fix, particularly in production environments where audio subsystem stability is critical. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling in kernel space code and underscores the need for thorough testing of resource management routines, particularly those involving hardware registration processes that are fundamental to system operation. This issue relates to CWE-755, which addresses improper handling of exception conditions, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1490 for deletion or modification of system resources, though the primary impact remains in system stability rather than direct exploitation.