CVE-2022-49920: netfilter: nf_tables: netlink notifier might race to release objects

Published May 1, 2025
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

netfilter: nftables: netlink notifier might race to release objects

commit release path is invoked via callrcu and it runs lockless to release the objects after rcu grace period. The netlink notifier handler might win race to remove objects that the transaction context is still referencing from the commit release path.

Call rcubarrier() to ensure pending rcu callbacks run to completion if the list of transactions to be destroyed is not empty.

Affected Software

6 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=5.12<5.15.78
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.0.8
Linux Linux kernel=6.1-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.1-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.1-rc3

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Operational

    Update the Linux kernel netlink notifier handler commit release path to call rcu_barrier()/wait for an RCU grace period so pending RCU callbacks run to completion before releasing nf_tables netlink notifier objects (release objects after the RCU grace period to avoid the race).

Event History

May 1, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:10 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:10 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2022-49920?

CVE-2022-49920 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2022-49920?

To fix CVE-2022-49920, update your Linux kernel to the latest version that includes the patch for this vulnerability.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2022-49920?

CVE-2022-49920 affects various distributions of the Linux kernel that utilize netfilter and nf_tables.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2022-49920?

CVE-2022-49920 is a race condition vulnerability that may allow for improper resource management in the Linux kernel.

5

How can I identify if CVE-2022-49920 is present in my system?

You can assess the presence of CVE-2022-49920 by checking your current Linux kernel version against the patched versions in the security advisory.

Contact

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