CVE-2022-50813 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drivers: mcb: fix resource leak in mcb_probe()
When probe hook function failed in mcb_probe(), it doesn't put the device. Compiled test only.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-50813 resides within the Linux kernel's mcb driver subsystem, specifically addressing a resource management flaw in the mcb_probe() function. This issue represents a classic resource leak scenario that can lead to system instability and potential denial of service conditions when hardware devices are improperly handled during the device probe phase. The mcb (Multi-Chip Bus) driver serves as a critical interface for managing communication with multi-chip bus devices, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for embedded systems and specialized hardware platforms that rely on this communication protocol.
The technical flaw manifests when the probe hook function within mcb_probe() encounters a failure condition, yet the driver fails to properly release the device resources that were allocated during the probe process. This resource leak occurs because the function does not execute the necessary device release operations that would normally occur during successful probe completion. The vulnerability is classified as a resource leak under CWE-404, which specifically addresses the improper release of resources such as memory, file handles, or device references. The issue is particularly insidious because it only manifests during error conditions, making it challenging to detect through routine testing and potentially allowing the leak to persist across multiple device probe attempts.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability can lead to progressive resource exhaustion on systems that repeatedly attempt to probe mcb devices, especially in environments where device discovery occurs frequently or where the probe process is part of automated system initialization routines. The impact extends beyond simple memory consumption to potentially affect system stability, as resource exhaustion can cascade into broader system performance degradation or complete system hang conditions. The vulnerability is particularly relevant in embedded systems and industrial computing environments where mcb devices are commonly deployed, as these systems often operate with limited resources and may not have robust error handling mechanisms to recover from such resource leaks. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which involves resource exhaustion attacks targeting system resources through improper resource management.
The fix implemented for CVE-2022-50813 addresses the root cause by ensuring that device resources are properly released even when the probe hook function fails. This remediation follows established best practices for error handling in kernel drivers, where all allocated resources must be freed in error paths to prevent leaks. The solution demonstrates proper defensive programming techniques that align with kernel security guidelines and represents a standard approach to handling resource management in device drivers. The compiled test environment mentioned in the description indicates that this vulnerability was likely identified through kernel testing frameworks that simulate device probe failures, highlighting the importance of comprehensive error path testing in kernel development. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability, particularly in production environments where mcb devices are present, as the resource leak can accumulate over time and eventually impact system reliability and performance. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper resource management in kernel space, where even seemingly minor oversight can lead to significant operational impacts.