CVE-2022-50243: sctp: handle the error returned from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
sctp: handle the error returned from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key
When it returns an error from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key(), the
active_key is actually not updated. The old sh_key will be freeed
while it's still used as active key in asoc. Then an use-after-free
will be triggered when sending patckets, as found by syzbot:
sctp_auth_shkey_hold+0x22/0xa0 net/sctp/auth.c:112
sctp_set_owner_w net/sctp/socket.c:132 [inline]
sctp_sendmsg_to_asoc+0xbd5/0x1a20 net/sctp/socket.c:1863
sctp_sendmsg+0x1053/0x1d50 net/sctp/socket.c:2025
inet_sendmsg+0x99/0xe0 net/ipv4/af_inet.c:819
sock_sendmsg_nosec net/socket.c:714 [inline]
sock_sendmsg+0xcf/0x120 net/socket.c:734
This patch is to fix it by not replacing the sh_key when it returns
errors from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key() in sctp_auth_set_key().
For sctp_auth_set_active_key(), old active_key_id will be set back
to asoc->active_key_id when the same thing happens.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2022-50243 is a Linux kernel SCTP bug that can leave a freed authentication key in use after an error. That can trigger a kernel use-after-free while packets are being sent. The sources do not provide CVSS, proven exploitability, or active exploitation evidence.
Executive priority
Treat this as a kernel maintenance priority, highest for systems using SCTP or running multi-tenant workloads. It is not currently supported by KEV or cited active exploitation evidence, but kernel memory-safety bugs should not remain unpatched indefinitely.
Technical view
The flaw is in SCTP authentication key handling. If sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key() returns an error, active_key is not updated, but the old sh_key can be freed while still referenced by the association. Stable kernel fixes avoid replacing the key on error and restore the previous active_key_id path.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions where SCTP functionality is present and reachable by relevant workloads. The bundle lists Linux kernel versions including 4.19.262, 5.4.220, 5.10.150, 5.15.75, 5.19.17, 6.0.3, and 6.1 as affected.
Exploitation context
The provided evidence comes from a syzbot-discovered crash path during SCTP packet sending. KEV is false, and the bundle contains no public exploit confirmation, exploitation in the wild, required privileges, or remote attack description.
Researcher notes
The CVE describes a failed error-handling path rather than an attacker workflow. Important missing details include trigger constraints, privilege requirements, namespaces, distribution-specific fixed versions, and security impact beyond crash or memory corruption potential.
Mitigation direction
Upgrade to a Linux kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
Prioritize systems where SCTP is enabled or used by exposed services.
Check vendor distribution advisories for backported fixed kernel packages.
If SCTP is unused, consider disabling it according to vendor guidance.
Monitor kernel logs for SCTP-related use-after-free or crash reports.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, appliances, and container hosts.
Check whether SCTP modules or services are enabled on affected systems.
Confirm installed kernels include vendor fixes for CVE-2022-50243.
Review crash telemetry for stack traces involving net/sctp/auth.c or sctp_sendmsg.
Track vendor advisories because the source bundle lacks CVSS and operational impact detail.
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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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CVE-2022-50243 mapping review
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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
0ADP providers
8Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Sep 15, 2025, 14:01 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.