CVE-2022-50848 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
drivers: dio: fix possible memory leak in dio_init()
If device_register() returns error, the 'dev' and name needs be freed. Add a release function, and then call put_device() in the error path, so the name is freed in kobject_cleanup() and to the 'dev' is freed in release function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-50848 resides within the Linux kernel's direct I/O subsystem, specifically in the dio_init() function located in the drivers directory. This memory management flaw represents a classic case of resource leakage that can occur during device registration processes, potentially leading to system instability and resource exhaustion over time. The issue manifests when the device_register() function fails, leaving allocated memory structures in an inconsistent state. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-404, which deals with improper resource management, specifically focusing on memory leaks that occur when resources are not properly released during error conditions. From an operational security perspective, this flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in kernel space operations where memory management must be precise and robust.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate cleanup procedures within the device registration flow. When device_register() encounters an error condition, the system fails to properly release the allocated device structure and associated name string that were created during the initialization process. The standard kernel pattern requires that all allocated resources be freed in error paths to prevent memory leaks, but the dio_init() function lacked this crucial cleanup mechanism. This failure creates a scenario where device structures and their associated memory remain allocated even after registration fails, leading to progressive memory consumption that can eventually impact system performance and stability. The vulnerability directly violates established kernel development practices that mandate comprehensive error handling and resource cleanup, particularly in subsystems handling device I/O operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-50848 extends beyond simple memory consumption, potentially affecting system reliability and availability in production environments. While the immediate consequence appears to be a memory leak, the cumulative effect of repeated failed device registrations can lead to system resource exhaustion, particularly in systems with high device I/O activity or frequent device management operations. This vulnerability can be exploited in scenarios involving device drivers that perform frequent registration attempts, such as storage subsystems, network devices, or embedded hardware interfaces. The flaw may also interact with other kernel subsystems, potentially amplifying its impact on overall system stability. From a threat modeling perspective, while this vulnerability does not directly enable privilege escalation or remote code execution, it represents a potential denial of service vector that could be leveraged by adversaries to degrade system performance or availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-50848 focus on implementing proper resource cleanup mechanisms within the kernel's device registration flow. The fix requires adding a release function to ensure that device structures are properly freed when registration fails, followed by calling put_device() in the error path to trigger the complete cleanup sequence. This approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of privilege escalation through resource exhaustion, where proper memory management prevents system degradation that could be exploited by adversaries. System administrators should prioritize applying kernel updates that include this fix, particularly in environments where device I/O operations are frequent or where resource constraints are critical. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive testing and validation of error paths in kernel code, emphasizing that proper resource management is fundamental to system security and reliability. Regular kernel updates and security monitoring are essential practices to prevent exploitation of similar memory management vulnerabilities in device driver subsystems.