CVE-2022-50826 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ipu3-imgu: Fix NULL pointer dereference in imgu_subdev_set_selection()
Calling v4l2_subdev_get_try_crop() and v4l2_subdev_get_try_compose() with a subdev state of NULL leads to a NULL pointer dereference. This can currently happen in imgu_subdev_set_selection() when the state passed in is NULL, as this method first gets pointers to both the "try" and "active" states and only then decides which to use.
The same issue has been addressed for imgu_subdev_get_selection() with commit 30d03a0de650 ("ipu3-imgu: Fix NULL pointer dereference in active selection access"). However the issue still persists in imgu_subdev_set_selection().
Therefore, apply a similar fix as done in the aforementioned commit to imgu_subdev_set_selection(). To keep things a bit cleaner, introduce helper functions for "crop" and "compose" access and use them in both imgu_subdev_set_selection() and imgu_subdev_get_selection().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2022-50826 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within the Linux kernel's Intel Imaging Performance Unit 3 Image Unit (IPU3-IMGU) driver subsystem. This issue specifically affects the ipu3-imgu driver which manages image processing operations for Intel camera hardware, particularly in embedded systems and mobile devices where such imaging capabilities are prevalent. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of subdevice state management during video4linux2 (v4l2) operations, creating a potential crash condition that could be exploited to disrupt system operations or potentially escalate privileges.
The technical flaw manifests in the imgu_subdev_set_selection() function where the driver attempts to access subdevice states without proper validation of the input parameters. When v4l2_subdev_get_try_crop() and v4l2_subdev_get_try_compose() functions are called with a NULL subdev state parameter, they trigger a NULL pointer dereference that results in kernel panic or system crash. This occurs because the imgu_subdev_set_selection() method first retrieves pointers to both "try" and "active" states and only subsequently determines which one to utilize, creating a race condition where a NULL state can be passed to the underlying v4l2 functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at kernel level where such faults can lead to complete system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it represents a potential denial-of-service vector that could affect devices running Linux kernel versions containing this flaw. Mobile devices, embedded systems, and IoT platforms utilizing Intel imaging hardware are particularly at risk since these systems often lack robust error handling mechanisms for kernel-level faults. The vulnerability affects the broader Linux kernel ecosystem through the v4l2 subsystem, which is fundamental to video capture and processing operations across numerous device types including smartphones, tablets, automotive systems, and industrial imaging equipment. The flaw aligns with CWE-476, specifically NULL Pointer Dereference, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for kernel-mode rootkit operations if exploited maliciously.
The fix implemented for this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern of defensive programming that was previously applied to the imgu_subdev_get_selection() function. The solution involves introducing dedicated helper functions for crop and compose access operations, which ensures proper validation of subdevice states before any operations are performed. This approach addresses the root cause by preventing the direct invocation of v4l2_subdev_get_try_crop() and v4l2_subdev_get_try_compose() with potentially NULL parameters. The implementation follows the principle of least privilege and defensive programming practices that are essential for kernel-level code security. The fix also improves code maintainability by centralizing state access logic and reducing code duplication between the two affected functions, demonstrating how security patches can simultaneously address functional correctness and code quality issues. This remediation strategy aligns with kernel security best practices and represents a robust solution that prevents similar vulnerabilities from arising in future modifications to the driver codebase.