CVE-2022-48790: Linux Kernel use-after-free (CVSS 9.8)

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: nvme: fix a possible use-after-free in controller reset during load Unlike .queue_rq, in .submit_async_event drivers may not check the ctrl readiness for AER submission. This may lead to a use-after-free condition that was observed with nvme-tcp. The race condition may happen in the following scenario: 1. driver executes its reset_ctrl_work 2. -> nvme_stop_ctrl - flushes ctrl async_event_work 3. ctrl sends AEN which is received by the host, which in turn schedules AEN handling 4. teardown admin queue (which releases the queue socket) 5. AEN processed, submits another AER, calling the driver to submit 6. driver attempts to send the cmd ==> use-after-free In order to fix that, add ctrl state check to validate the ctrl is actually able to accept the AER submission. This addresses the above race in controller resets because the driver during teardown should: 1. change ctrl state to RESETTING 2. flush async_event_work (as well as other async work elements) So after 1,2, any other AER command will find the ctrl state to be RESETTING and bail out without submitting the AER.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork

Attack complexityLow

Privileges requiredNone

User interactionNone

ScopeUnchanged

ConfidentialityHigh

IntegrityHigh

AvailabilityHigh

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

Linux Kernel≥ 4.20 < 5.4.181 · ≥ 5.11 < 5.15.25 · ≥ 5.16 < 5.16.11 · ≥ 5.5 < 5.10.102

Remediation

Fixed in

Linux Kernel≥ 5.4.181

Patch & vendor advisories

References

Related CVEs

Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2022-48790 being actively exploited?

CVE-2022-48790 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.79%.

How severe is CVE-2022-48790?

CVE-2022-48790 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, rated critical. EPSS estimates a 0.79% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2022-48790?

Affected products include Linux Kernel.

How do I fix CVE-2022-48790?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Linux Kernel 5.4.181 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-48790 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

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