#VU68423 Use-after-free in Linux kernel - CVE-2022-2602

Vulnerability identifier: #VU68423

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 6.4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-2602

CWE-ID: CWE-416

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 a use-after-free error caused by an io_uring request, which is being processed on a registered file. The Unix GC runs and frees the io_uring file descriptor and all the registered file descriptors in a specific order that may allow a local user to win a race and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Mitigation
Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: All versions

---

External links
https://seclists.org/oss-sec/2022/q4/30
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-1462/

---

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.