CVE-2022-50871 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
wifi: ath11k: Fix qmi_msg_handler data structure initialization
qmi_msg_handler is required to be null terminated by QMI module. There might be a case where a handler for a msg id is not present in the handlers array which can lead to infinite loop while searching the handler and therefore out of bound access in qmi_invoke_handler(). Hence update the initialization in qmi_msg_handler data structure.
Tested-on: IPQ8074 hw2.0 AHB WLAN.HK.2.5.0.1-01100-QCAHKSWPL_SILICONZ-1
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2022-50871 resides within the Linux kernel's wireless subsystem, specifically affecting the ath11k driver implementation for Qualcomm-based Wi-Fi chips. This issue manifests in the QMI (Qualcomm MSM Interface) message handling mechanism where improper initialization of the qmi_msg_handler data structure creates a critical flaw that can lead to system instability and potential security exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly significant as it affects the foundational communication layer between the wireless hardware and the operating system's kernel, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise wireless functionality or escalate privileges through kernel-level memory corruption.
The technical flaw stems from the qmi_msg_handler data structure not being properly null-terminated during initialization, which is a fundamental requirement imposed by the QMI module itself. When the system processes incoming QMI messages, it searches through a handlers array to find the appropriate handler for each message ID. In cases where a specific message ID lacks a corresponding handler entry in this array, the search algorithm can enter an infinite loop due to the missing null termination. This condition ultimately results in out-of-bounds memory access within the qmi_invoke_handler() function, creating a potential avenue for arbitrary code execution or system crash.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it represents a classic buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to kernel memory space. Attackers could potentially leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries. The vulnerability affects Qualcomm IPQ8074 hardware platforms running specific firmware versions, making it particularly concerning for devices that rely on this chipset for wireless connectivity. This flaw directly maps to CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities.
The fix implemented addresses the root cause by ensuring proper initialization of the qmi_msg_handler data structure with correct null termination, preventing the infinite loop condition that previously occurred during handler lookup operations. This mitigation strategy aligns with defensive programming practices recommended in the CERT/CC secure coding standards, specifically addressing issues related to array bounds checking and null-terminated data structures. The resolution demonstrates the critical importance of proper initialization in kernel-level code, where even seemingly minor oversights can lead to severe security implications. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability across all affected systems, particularly those running on Qualcomm IPQ8074 hardware, to prevent potential exploitation and maintain the integrity of wireless communication channels. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of thorough testing and validation of kernel modules, especially those handling critical communication protocols like QMI, to ensure robust security posture against both accidental and intentional exploitation attempts.