#VU64091 Improper Initialization in Linux kernel - CVE-2022-29968

Vulnerability identifier: #VU64091

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 7.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-29968

CWE-ID: CWE-665

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
Linux kernel
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to io_uring subsystem in the Linux kernel does not properly initialize data in some situations. A local user can run a specially crafted application to execute arbitrary code with escalated privileges on the system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: before 5.18, 5.18

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External links
http://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/32452a3eb8b64e01e2be717f518c0be046975b9d
http://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2080940

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.