CVE-2022-48932: net/mlx5: DR, Fix slab-out-of-bounds in mlx5_cmd_dr_create_fte
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net/mlx5: DR, Fix slab-out-of-bounds in mlx5_cmd_dr_create_fte
When adding a rule with 32 destinations, we hit the following out-of-band
access issue:
BUG: KASAN: slab-out-of-bounds in mlx5_cmd_dr_create_fte+0x18ee/0x1e70
This patch fixes the issue by both increasing the allocated buffers to
accommodate for the needed actions and by checking the number of actions
to prevent this issue when a rule with too many actions is provided.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This is a Linux kernel memory-safety bug in the mlx5 networking driver. A rule with many destinations could trigger a slab out-of-bounds access. The source says the kernel fix enlarges buffers and adds action-count checks. Business impact depends on whether affected kernels and mlx5 hardware or features are present.
Executive priority
Treat as targeted kernel maintenance unless mlx5-backed systems are business-critical. Prioritize confirmation and patching on hosts using the driver. Escalate if affected kernels run on externally exposed or high-availability network infrastructure.
Technical view
CVE-2022-48932 affects Linux kernel mlx5 DR handling in mlx5_cmd_dr_create_fte. The described failure occurs when adding a rule with 32 destinations, causing KASAN to report a slab-out-of-bounds access. The cited fixes adjust buffer sizing and reject excessive action counts.
Likely exposure
Most relevant exposure is Linux systems running affected 5.16-era kernels with the mlx5 driver and direct rule flow-table functionality. The bundle lists Linux 5.16, 5.16.12, and 5.17 as affected data, but does not provide distro-specific package ranges.
Exploitation context
No active exploitation is stated in the source bundle, and KEV is false. The public description gives a triggering condition from kernel testing, but does not establish remote exploitability, privilege requirements, or real-world exploitation.
Researcher notes
The bundle does not include CVSS, CWE, exploitability analysis, or distro advisories. Analysis should remain scoped to the documented mlx5 DR out-of-bounds condition and the two upstream stable commits.
Mitigation direction
Update affected Linux kernels to versions containing the cited stable fixes.
Check distribution advisories for exact fixed package versions.
Prioritize systems using mlx5 networking hardware or driver features.
If patch timing is uncertain, seek vendor guidance for supported temporary controls.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers and network appliances.
Identify systems with mlx5 driver or relevant Mellanox/NVIDIA network adapters.
Confirm installed kernel packages include the referenced stable commits or later fixes.
Review kernel logs for KASAN or slab-out-of-bounds reports in mlx5_cmd_dr_create_fte.
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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