CVE-2022-50521: platform/x86: mxm-wmi: fix memleak in mxm_wmi_call_mx[ds|mx]()

Published Oct 7, 2025
·
Updated

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

platform/x86: mxm-wmi: fix memleak in mxmwmicallmxds|mx

The ACPI buffer memory (out.pointer) returned by wmievaluatemethod() is not freed after the call, so it leads to memory leak.

The method results in ACPI buffer is not used, so just pass NULL to wmievaluatemethod() which fixes the memory leak.

Affected Software

7 affected components
Linux Linux kernel>=3.0<4.14.303
Linux Linux kernel>=4.15<4.19.270
Linux Linux kernel>=4.20<5.4.229
Linux Linux kernel>=5.5<5.10.163
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.15.86
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16<6.0.16
Linux Linux kernel>=6.1<6.1.2

Event History

Oct 7, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:19 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:19 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:15 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What conditions are required to trigger the memory leak?

The issue occurs when the mxm-wmi driver calls wmi_evaluate_method() through mxm_wmi_call_mxds() or mxm_wmi_call_mxmx(). Exploitation requires local access and low privileges, with no user interaction required.

2

What is the operational impact?

Repeated triggering can leak ACPI buffer memory, potentially exhausting available memory and causing a denial-of-service condition. The provided CVSS vector indicates no confidentiality or integrity impact.

3

Is a fix available?

Yes. Patches are available in the referenced Linux kernel stable commits.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203