CVE-2022-48801: iio: buffer: Fix file related error handling in IIO_BUFFER_GET_FD_IOCTL
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
iio: buffer: Fix file related error handling in IIO_BUFFER_GET_FD_IOCTL
If we fail to copy the just created file descriptor to userland, we
try to clean up by putting back 'fd' and freeing 'ib'. The code uses
put_unused_fd() for the former which is wrong, as the file descriptor
was already published by fd_install() which gets called internally by
anon_inode_getfd().
This makes the error handling code leaving a half cleaned up file
descriptor table around and a partially destructed 'file' object,
allowing userland to play use-after-free tricks on us, by abusing
the still usable fd and making the code operate on a dangling
'file->private_data' pointer.
Instead of leaving the kernel in a partially corrupted state, don't
attempt to explicitly clean up and leave this to the process exit
path that'll release any still valid fds, including the one created
by the previous call to anon_inode_getfd(). Simply return -EFAULT to
indicate the error.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2022-48801 is a Linux kernel flaw in the Industrial I/O buffer interface. A failed file-descriptor copy can leave kernel cleanup in an unsafe state, creating a use-after-free condition. This is most relevant to systems where local users or software can access the affected IIO buffer ioctl path.
Executive priority
Treat as a routine but important Linux kernel patching item. It is not reported as actively exploited in the provided sources, but kernel use-after-free bugs can affect system integrity when reachable by local users or workloads.
Technical view
The issue is in IIO_BUFFER_GET_FD_IOCTL error handling. After anon_inode_getfd() publishes a file descriptor, the code incorrectly uses put_unused_fd() during cleanup if copying the descriptor to user space fails. That can leave a usable fd tied to partially destructed file private data, enabling use-after-free behavior.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears local to Linux systems running affected kernel versions with access to the Industrial I/O buffer interface. The CVE record lists Linux kernel versions around 5.13 and fixes in stable kernel commits. Distribution backports may change version-based exposure, so validate against vendor kernel packages.
Exploitation context
The public CVE text describes a userland-triggerable use-after-free scenario but provides no CVSS score and no cited evidence of active exploitation. CISA KEV status is false in the provided bundle. Exploitation would require access to the affected kernel interface rather than remote network access.
Researcher notes
Evidence is limited to the CVE record and upstream stable commits. The vulnerability is an error-path cleanup bug after fd publication. The provided data does not include exploitability assessment, affected distributions, CVSS, or practical prerequisites beyond the IIO buffer ioctl path.
Mitigation direction
Update to a vendor-supported kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
Prioritize systems exposing Industrial I/O interfaces to local users or applications.
Check Linux distribution advisories for backported fixes and package names.
If patching is delayed, restrict untrusted local access where feasible.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across affected assets.
Map distribution kernel packages to the referenced upstream stable commits.
Review whether systems use or expose Industrial I/O buffer functionality.
Confirm vulnerability status through vendor advisories, not upstream version alone.
Monitor CVE and kernel stable references for later corrections.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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CVE-2022-48801 mapping review
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