CVE-2022-50314: nbd: Fix hung when signal interrupts nbd_start_device_ioctl()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
nbd: Fix hung when signal interrupts nbd_start_device_ioctl()
syzbot reported hung task [1]. The following program is a simplified
version of the reproducer:
int main(void)
{
int sv[2], fd;
if (socketpair(AF_UNIX, SOCK_STREAM, 0, sv) < 0)
return 1;
if ((fd = open("/dev/nbd0", 0)) < 0)
return 1;
if (ioctl(fd, NBD_SET_SIZE_BLOCKS, 0x81) < 0)
return 1;
if (ioctl(fd, NBD_SET_SOCK, sv[0]) < 0)
return 1;
if (ioctl(fd, NBD_DO_IT) < 0)
return 1;
return 0;
}
When signal interrupt nbd_start_device_ioctl() waiting the condition
atomic_read(&config->recv_threads) == 0, the task can hung because it
waits the completion of the inflight IOs.
This patch fixes the issue by clearing queue, not just shutdown, when
signal interrupt nbd_start_device_ioctl().
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue affects the Network Block Device driver. A local interaction with an NBD device can leave a kernel task hung, creating an availability problem. The sources do not show data theft, privilege escalation, or active exploitation. Business urgency is highest for systems that use or expose NBD devices.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted availability risk. Patch through normal kernel maintenance, faster for systems using NBD in production storage paths. No source indicates emergency internet-scale exploitation.
Technical view
In nbd_start_device_ioctl(), a signal interruption while waiting for recv_threads to reach zero can leave the task waiting on in-flight I/O completion. The kernel fix clears the queue instead of only shutting it down. The CVE lists Linux kernel versions and stable commit references, but distro-specific affected package mapping is not provided.
Likely exposure
Linux systems using the nbd driver or exposing /dev/nbd* devices are the most relevant. Exposure is likely lower where NBD is not loaded, not used, or device access is tightly controlled. The source bundle does not identify specific distributions or cloud images.
Exploitation context
The report came from syzbot and describes a local hung-task reproducer using NBD ioctls. There is no KEV entry and no cited evidence of exploitation in the wild. Practical impact appears to be denial of service or operational disruption, not remote compromise.
Researcher notes
The CVE record is clear on root cause and fix behavior, but lacks CVSS, CWE, distro mapping, and privilege requirements. Avoid assuming remote reachability. Focus analysis on NBD device accessibility, kernel version lineage, and whether referenced stable commits are present.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor kernel updates that include the referenced stable NBD fix.
Prioritize hosts using NBD-backed storage or automation around /dev/nbd* devices.
If patch status is unclear, check Linux distribution advisories for CVE-2022-50314.
Limit access to NBD device nodes according to normal operational requirements.
Validation and detection
Inventory systems with the nbd module loaded or NBD devices present.
Map running kernel versions to vendor advisories and stable commit inclusion.
Review logs for hung task reports involving nbd_start_device_ioctl or NBD.
Confirm patched kernels are installed and active after reboot.
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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0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
9Source links
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
CVE reservedCVE Program
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CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
Sep 15, 2025, 14:46 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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