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CVE Record

CVE-2022-48933: netfilter: nf_tables: fix memory leak during stateful obj update

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: netfilter: nf_tables: fix memory leak during stateful obj update stateful objects can be updated from the control plane. The transaction logic allocates a temporary object for this purpose. The ->init function was called for this object, so plain kfree() leaks resources. We must call ->destroy function of the object. nft_obj_destroy does this, but it also decrements the module refcount, but the update path doesn't increment it. To avoid special-casing the update object release, do module_get for the update case too and release it via nft_obj_destroy().

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysisunknown

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2022-48933 is a Linux kernel netfilter nf_tables memory leak during stateful object updates. The bug concerns resource cleanup in kernel transaction logic. The public sources do not provide CVSS, exploitability, or impact detail beyond the leak, so urgency should be driven by kernel exposure and vendor patch availability.

Executive priority

Moderate attention is reasonable where Linux kernels support critical services, but the public record lacks severity scoring and exploitation evidence. Patch through normal kernel update processes unless local exposure or vendor guidance raises priority.

Technical view

During nf_tables stateful object updates, a temporary object is initialized but was released with plain kfree(), leaking resources. The fix changes update handling so module references are acquired and the object is released through nft_obj_destroy(), which calls the proper destroy routine.

Likely exposure

Exposure is likely limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions or distribution kernels without the relevant stable backport. The bundle names Linux kernel versions and stable commits, but does not identify distributions, configurations, or required privileges.

Exploitation context

The source bundle does not report active exploitation, and KEV is false. No public exploit status, attack path, or weaponized technique is cited. Treat this as a kernel maintenance and availability-risk issue until vendor advisories provide more context.

Researcher notes

The issue is a resource-management flaw in nf_tables object update cleanup, not a described code execution path. The available evidence supports a memory leak finding only; affected distribution kernels require vendor-specific confirmation because backports may change version appearance.

Mitigation direction

  • Update affected Linux kernels to vendor releases containing the referenced stable fixes.
  • Check distribution advisories for CVE-2022-48933 backport status.
  • Prioritize internet-facing, multi-tenant, or high-availability Linux systems.
  • Do not assume an unlisted workaround; follow kernel or distribution guidance.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers and appliances.
  • Map installed packages to vendor advisories or referenced stable commits.
  • Confirm whether affected systems use nf_tables/netfilter functionality.
  • Track remediation evidence in vulnerability management records.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
7

Public sources used

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

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

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CVE-2022-48933 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
6Source links

SSVC decision data

CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: noneAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: partial

Vulnerability timeline

Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.

  1. CVE reservedCVE Program

    The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.

  2. CVE publishedCVE Program

    The CVE record was published.

  3. CVE updatedCVE Program

    The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.

ADP provider summaries

CISA-ADPCISA ADP Vulnrichment
other:ssvc

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxd62d0ba97b5803183e70cfded7f7b9da76893bf5, d62d0ba97b5803183e70cfded7f7b9da76893bf5, d62d0ba97b5803183e70cfded7f7b9da76893bf5, d62d0ba97b5803183e70cfded7f7b9da76893bf5, d62d0ba97b5803183e70cfded7f7b9da76893bf5unaffected
LinuxLinux5.4, 0, 5.4.182, 5.10.103, 5.15.26, 5.16.12, 5.17affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.