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CVE Record

CVE-2022-50731: crypto: akcipher - default implementation for setting a private key

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: crypto: akcipher - default implementation for setting a private key Changes from v1: * removed the default implementation from set_pub_key: it is assumed that an implementation must always have this callback defined as there are no use case for an algorithm, which doesn't need a public key Many akcipher implementations (like ECDSA) support only signature verifications, so they don't have all callbacks defined. Commit 78a0324f4a53 ("crypto: akcipher - default implementations for request callbacks") introduced default callbacks for sign/verify operations, which just return an error code. However, these are not enough, because before calling sign the caller would likely call set_priv_key first on the instantiated transform (as the in-kernel testmgr does). This function does not have a default stub, so the kernel crashes, when trying to set a private key on an akcipher, which doesn't support signature generation. I've noticed this, when trying to add a KAT vector for ECDSA signature to the testmgr. With this patch the testmgr returns an error in dmesg (as it should) instead of crashing the kernel NULL ptr dereference.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2022-50731 is a Linux kernel bug in asymmetric crypto handling. Under specific in-kernel crypto use, the kernel can dereference a NULL pointer and crash instead of returning an error. The public record does not show active exploitation, remote attack details, or data compromise.

Executive priority

Treat as a stability and availability issue, not a confirmed breach vector. Patch through normal kernel maintenance, accelerating for critical systems where an unexpected kernel crash would disrupt operations.

Technical view

The akcipher layer gained default sign/verify callbacks, but lacked a default set_priv_key stub. For algorithms such as ECDSA that support verification only, callers setting a private key before signing can hit a NULL function pointer. The fix adds safe error behavior so testmgr reports an error rather than crashing.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to Linux systems running affected kernel versions or trees containing commit 78a0324f4a53 without the referenced stable fixes. Practical reachability depends on kernel crypto consumers present on the system, which the sources do not fully define.

Exploitation context

Sources describe discovery during kernel test vector work and a crash in testmgr. There is no cited evidence of active exploitation, public weaponization, remote exploitation, or inclusion in CISA KEV.

Researcher notes

The public data identifies a NULL pointer dereference path in crypto/akcipher error handling. Exploitability outside in-kernel callers is not established in the provided sources. Assess local exposure by reviewing enabled crypto algorithms and downstream kernel patches.

Mitigation direction

  • Apply Linux kernel updates from your distribution or vendor that include the referenced stable fixes.
  • Prioritize systems where kernel crashes would cause material downtime.
  • If updates are unavailable, check vendor guidance for supported workarounds or backports.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, appliances, and container hosts.
  • Check vendor advisories for CVE-2022-50731 coverage in installed kernel packages.
  • Confirm whether the referenced stable commits are present in your kernel source or package changelog.
  • Monitor kernel logs for related akcipher or testmgr NULL dereference crash reports.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
8

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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CVE-2022-50731 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
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
7Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
LinuxLinux78a0324f4a5328088fea9426cfe1d1851276c475, 78a0324f4a5328088fea9426cfe1d1851276c475, 78a0324f4a5328088fea9426cfe1d1851276c475, 78a0324f4a5328088fea9426cfe1d1851276c475, 78a0324f4a5328088fea9426cfe1d1851276c475, 78a0324f4a5328088fea9426cfe1d1851276c475unaffected
LinuxLinux5.2, 0, 5.4.220, 5.10.150, 5.15.75, 5.19.17, 6.0.3, 6.1affected
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

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