CVE-2022-0185
Linux Kernel Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Linux Kernel
A heap-based buffer overflow flaw was found in the way the legacy_parse_param function in the Filesystem Context functionality of the Linux kernel verified the supplied parameters length. An unprivileged (in case of unprivileged user namespaces enabled, otherwise needs namespaced CAP_SYS_ADMIN privilege) local user able to open a filesystem that does not support the Filesystem Context API (and thus fallbacks to legacy handling) could use this flaw to escalate their privileges on the system.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 21 August 2024. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 11 September 2024.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 25.2%, which is higher than 97.9% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2022-0185 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2022-0185.
What does CVE-2022-0185 affect?
CVE-2022-0185 affects Linux Kernel. A heap-based buffer overflow flaw was found in the way the legacy_parse_param function in the Filesystem Context functionality of the Linux kernel verified the supplied parameters length. An unprivileged (in case of unprivileged user namespaces enabled, otherwise needs namespaced CAP_SYS_ADMIN privilege) local user able to open a filesystem that does not support the Filesystem Context API (and thus fallbacks to legacy handling) could use this flaw to escalate their privileges on the system.
How severe is CVE-2022-0185?
CVE-2022-0185 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.4. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 25.2%, higher than 97.9% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 11 September 2024.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2022-0185?
Apply the vendor patch for Linux Kernel as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.