CVE-2022-50872 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ARM: OMAP2+: Fix memory leak in realtime_counter_init()
The "sys_clk" resource is malloced by clk_get(), it is not released when the function return.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-50872 represents a memory leak within the Linux kernel's ARM OMAP2+ platform support code, specifically affecting the realtime_counter_init() function. This issue occurs in the kernel's clock management subsystem where the sys_clk resource is dynamically allocated through the clk_get() function but fails to be properly deallocated before the function returns. The memory leak manifests as a gradual consumption of system memory resources, potentially leading to system instability or performance degradation over time. This vulnerability affects embedded systems and devices utilizing ARM OMAP2+ architecture, particularly those relying on real-time counter functionality for system timing operations.
The technical flaw stems from improper resource management within the kernel's clock framework implementation. When clk_get() is invoked to obtain a clock handle for the system clock resource, it allocates memory to represent this resource. However, the realtime_counter_init() function does not execute the corresponding clk_put() call to release this allocated memory before returning control to the caller. This pattern violates fundamental memory management principles and creates a classic memory leak scenario where allocated kernel memory remains unreleased indefinitely. The issue is classified under CWE-401 as a failure to release memory allocated to a resource, representing a direct violation of proper resource lifecycle management in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of this memory leak extends beyond simple resource consumption, potentially affecting system reliability and performance in embedded environments where memory is constrained. Over extended periods of operation, the accumulation of leaked memory can lead to memory exhaustion conditions that may cause system crashes, application failures, or degraded performance characteristics. Devices utilizing ARM OMAP2+ platforms, particularly those in industrial, automotive, or embedded computing applications, face increased risk of instability due to this resource leak. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in real-time systems where predictable resource usage is critical for maintaining system responsiveness and deterministic behavior.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-50872 involve applying the official kernel patch that ensures proper resource cleanup in the realtime_counter_init() function by adding the necessary clk_put() call to release the allocated sys_clk resource. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize updating affected kernel versions to patched releases, typically found in kernel versions 5.19 and later. Additionally, monitoring memory usage patterns on affected systems can help detect early signs of memory exhaustion, though this represents a reactive approach rather than a preventive fix. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1490 which covers resource exhaustion attacks, though this particular case represents an accidental resource leak rather than a deliberate exploitation attempt. Organizations maintaining embedded systems should implement regular kernel update schedules and conduct vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar memory management issues across their deployed platforms.