CVE-2025-22079 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 04/16/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ocfs2: validate l_tree_depth to avoid out-of-bounds access
The l_tree_depth field is 16-bit (__le16), but the actual maximum depth is limited to OCFS2_MAX_PATH_DEPTH.
Add a check to prevent out-of-bounds access if l_tree_depth has an invalid value, which may occur when reading from a corrupted mounted disk [1].
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-22079 resides within the Linux kernel's ocfs2 file system implementation, specifically addressing a critical buffer overflow condition that could lead to system instability or potential privilege escalation. This issue manifests when the ocfs2 driver processes file system metadata containing an invalid tree depth value, creating a scenario where memory access violations could occur during file system operations. The vulnerability represents a classic case of inadequate input validation that could be exploited through maliciously crafted file system structures or corrupted storage media.
The technical flaw stems from a type mismatch and insufficient validation within the ocfs2 subsystem where the l_tree_depth field is defined as a 16-bit little-endian unsigned integer but is not properly constrained against the maximum allowable path depth defined by OCFS2_MAX_PATH_DEPTH constant. This discrepancy creates a potential out-of-bounds memory access scenario when the file system driver attempts to process directory structures with tree depths exceeding the valid range. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered during normal file system operations when reading from corrupted or maliciously constructed storage media, making it difficult to prevent through standard security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges or cause denial of service conditions that could affect critical system operations. When a corrupted disk is mounted and the ocfs2 driver attempts to traverse directory structures with invalid tree depth values, the unchecked access could lead to memory corruption that might be exploitable for privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with ocfs2 file system support and could be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where cluster file systems are utilized.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking for all file system metadata fields, particularly those that define structural limits within file system hierarchies. System administrators should ensure that Linux kernels are updated with patches addressing this specific vulnerability, as the fix involves adding explicit validation checks to prevent out-of-bounds access conditions. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in CWE-129, which addresses the validation of input ranges, and follows ATT&CK technique T1068 by preventing privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement regular file system integrity checks and monitor for signs of corruption that could trigger this vulnerability during normal operations.