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CVE Record

CVE-2022-49873: bpf: Fix wrong reg type conversion in release_reference()

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: bpf: Fix wrong reg type conversion in release_reference() Some helper functions will allocate memory. To avoid memory leaks, the verifier requires the eBPF program to release these memories by calling the corresponding helper functions. When a resource is released, all pointer registers corresponding to the resource should be invalidated. The verifier use release_references() to do this job, by apply __mark_reg_unknown() to each relevant register. It will give these registers the type of SCALAR_VALUE. A register that will contain a pointer value at runtime, but of type SCALAR_VALUE, which may allow the unprivileged user to get a kernel pointer by storing this register into a map. Using __mark_reg_not_init() while NOT allow_ptr_leaks can mitigate this problem.

MediumCVSS 5.5Not KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

This Linux kernel eBPF verifier flaw can mishandle pointer registers after a resource is released. A local low-privileged user may be able to retain sensitive pointer-like values or trigger kernel instability. It is not described as remotely exploitable, and the provided sources do not show active exploitation.

Executive priority

Handle through normal kernel patch management, with higher priority for shared Linux hosts or environments allowing untrusted local users. This is not supported as internet-facing remote code execution by the provided evidence.

Technical view

The bug is in release_references(), where released resource pointer registers were marked as SCALAR_VALUE instead of not-initialized when pointer leaks are disallowed. The CVE maps this to CWE-704 and CVSS 5.5, local attack vector, low complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, and high availability impact.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions where local users can interact with eBPF functionality. Multi-user Linux servers, developer hosts, and container platforms deserve priority review. The bundle lists Linux as affected but does not provide a full vendor-specific distribution matrix.

Exploitation context

The CVE is not in KEV, and the provided sources do not cite active exploitation. Exploitation requires local access and relevant eBPF capability or policy conditions. Treat public exploit status as unconfirmed from this bundle.

Researcher notes

Focus validation on eBPF verifier behavior around helper-allocated resources and register invalidation after release_reference(). Avoid assuming confidentiality or privilege-escalation impact beyond the source text and CVSS vector. Patch attribution should be confirmed against the kernel stable commits and downstream distribution backports.

Mitigation direction

  • Update affected Linux kernels using vendor or distribution guidance.
  • Prioritize kernels around affected eBPF verifier versions listed in the CVE bundle.
  • Restrict unprivileged eBPF access where operationally feasible.
  • Review kernel hardening settings related to pointer leaks and BPF use.
  • Monitor Linux vendor advisories for backported fixes.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers and container hosts.
  • Confirm whether unprivileged users can load or interact with eBPF programs.
  • Map deployed kernels to the referenced stable kernel fixes.
  • Check distribution security advisories for patched package versions.
  • Review local audit logs for unusual BPF program activity.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

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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cwe · low confidence lookup

CWE-704: Exact CWE lookup

Use the exact CWE identifier as the starting point before reviewing related ATT&CK behavior. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.

Open ATT&CK lookup
cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2022-49873 mapping review

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Open ATT&CK lookup
Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Medium
CVSS
5.5 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

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.

1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
1ADP providers
5Source links

SSVC decision data

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

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
5.5CVSS 3.1MediumCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H1.83.6CISA-ADP

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

5.5Medium
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2022-49873Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

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
cvssV3_1other:ssvc
Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinuxfd978bf7fd312581a7ca454a991f0ffb34c4204b, fd978bf7fd312581a7ca454a991f0ffb34c4204b, fd978bf7fd312581a7ca454a991f0ffb34c4204b, fd978bf7fd312581a7ca454a991f0ffb34c4204bunaffected
LinuxLinux4.20, 0, 5.10.155, 5.15.79, 6.0.9, 6.1affected
Weakness

CWE details

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