CVE-2022-50001: netfilter: nft_tproxy: restrict to prerouting hook
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
netfilter: nft_tproxy: restrict to prerouting hook
TPROXY is only allowed from prerouting, but nft_tproxy doesn't check this.
This fixes a crash (null dereference) when using tproxy from e.g. output.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue can crash a system when nftables TPROXY is used from an unsupported hook. The source describes a null pointer dereference, not data theft or remote code execution. Business impact is most likely availability risk on Linux hosts using nftables transparent proxy rules.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted availability concern, not an emergency without local evidence. Prioritize internet-facing proxy, gateway, firewall, and load-balancing Linux hosts that use nftables TPROXY, then fold remaining systems into normal kernel patch cycles.
Technical view
nft_tproxy failed to enforce that TPROXY is restricted to the prerouting hook. Using it from another hook, such as output, could trigger a kernel null dereference. The provided record lists Linux kernel branches and stable commits but no CVSS, CWE, exploit status, or distribution package mapping.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems with affected kernel code where nftables TPROXY rules can be configured incorrectly or by an authorized actor. Distribution-specific exposure needs vendor package advisories because the bundle only lists upstream kernel versions and commits.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not show active exploitation, KEV listing, proof-of-concept status, or remote attack details. It supports a crash scenario caused by using TPROXY from an unsupported hook, which points to availability impact rather than confirmed compromise.
Researcher notes
Key evidence is narrow: nft_tproxy lacked hook validation and could crash on unsupported hook use. The record lacks CVSS and exploitability detail, so validation should focus on kernel lineage, nftables rule paths, and whether local configuration privileges are required.
Mitigation direction
Check Linux distribution advisories for CVE-2022-50001 package status.
Update affected kernels to vendor-supported fixed builds when available.
Review nftables TPROXY rules for use outside prerouting.
Restrict who can modify firewall and nftables configuration.
Monitor kernel logs for null dereference crashes tied to nft_tproxy.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions on systems using nftables or TPROXY.
Confirm whether vendor kernels include the referenced upstream stable fixes.
Audit nftables rules for TPROXY usage in non-prerouting hooks.
Check crash logs for nft_tproxy or netfilter null dereference indicators.
Document systems where transparent proxying is business-critical.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Jun 18, 2025, 11:01 UTC (UTC+00:00)
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