CVE-2022-0185: Linux Kernel Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

Should you act?

Exploited: patch now if you run it

CISA has confirmed exploitation in the wild. This signal is computed from CISA KEV, EPSS and CVSS data; it is not an editorial verdict.

• Yes, if you run Linux Kernel. CISA added this CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-08-21, which means there is reliable evidence of exploitation in the wild. US federal agencies must remediate by 2024-09-11; treat that as the outer limit, not the target.
• EPSS 25.2%, percentile 98: FIRST’s model estimates a 25.2% chance of exploitation activity in the next 30 days, higher than 98% of all scored CVEs (very high). EPSS is a probability, not a verdict.
• Needs local access needed. Lower urgency for most teams unless an attacker could already run code on the machine.

What it is

A heap-based buffer overflow flaw was found in the way the legacyparseparam 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 CAPSYSADMIN 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.

CISA’s summary

Linux kernel contains a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the legacy_parse_param function in the Filesystem Context functionality. This allows an attacker to open a filesystem that does not support the Filesystem Context API and ultimately escalate privileges.

Weakness type: CWE-190.

Product: Linux Kernel · Assigned by: redhat · Published: 2022-02-11

Affected and fixed versions

Severity scores

• Attack vector: local access needed
• Attack complexity: low
• Privileges required: none (no login)
• User interaction: none
• Scope: unchanged

CVSS measures how bad a flaw is if exploited, not how likely exploitation is. Read it next to the exploitation data below.

Exploitation and urgency

• CISA KEV: added 2024-08-21; federal due date 2024-09-11. Known ransomware use: Unknown.
• CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if updates are unavailable.
• CISA SSVC assessment: exploitation active, automatable no, technical impact total.
• FIRST EPSS (model of 2026-10-21): 25.15% probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 98.

Timeline

• 2022-02-11 — CVE record published by redhat
• 2024-08-21 — Added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
• 2024-09-11 — CISA remediation deadline for US federal agencies
• 2025-10-21 — CVE record last updated

Sources and references

Original sources first. Version and fix details should always be confirmed against the vendor or project advisory.

Vendor and project advisories, patches

1. Listed in CISA KEV notes (git.kernel.org) git.kernel.org

Vulnerability records

1. CVE.org record CVE-2022-0185 cve.org
2. NVD entry CVE-2022-0185 nvd.nist.gov

Government

1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog entry cisa.gov

Other references from the CVE record and advisory

1. git.kernel.org git.kernel.org
2. github.com github.com
3. openwall.com openwall.com
4. willsroot.io willsroot.io
5. security.netapp.com security.netapp.com

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