CVE-2022-0185: Linux Kernel Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2022-0185 is a high (CVSS 8.4) Integer Overflow or Wraparound vulnerability in Linux Kernel. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 21-08-2024. EPSS estimates a 25.15% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 97.9% of scored vulnerabilities. 2 public exploits are recorded.

Timeline

1. 11-02-2022
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 21-08-2024
   Added to CISA KEVExploitedLinux Kernel Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
3. 11-09-2024
   CISA remediation dueDeadline passedApply updates per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if updates are unavailable.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A heap-based buffer overflow flaw was found in the way the legacy_parse_param function in the Filesystem Context functionality of the Linux kernel verified the supplied parameters length. An unprivileged (in case of unprivileged user namespaces enabled, otherwise needs namespaced CAP_SYS_ADMIN privilege) local user able to open a filesystem that does not support the Filesystem Context API (and thus fallbacks to legacy handling) could use this flaw to escalate their privileges on the system.

• CWE-190Integer Overflow or WraparoundThe product performs a calculation that can produce an integer overflow or wraparound when the logic assumes that the resulting value will always be larger than the original value. This occurs when an integer value is incremented to a value that is too large to store in the associated representation. When this occurs, the value may become a very small or negative number.
• CWE-191Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound)The product subtracts one value from another, such that the result is less than the minimum allowable integer value, which produces a value that is not equal to the correct result.