CVE-2022-49416

CVE-2022-49416 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-416.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: mac80211: fix use-after-free in chanctx code In ieee80211_vif_use_reserved_context(), when we have an old context and the new context's replace_state is set to IEEE80211_CHANCTX_REPLACE_NONE, we free the old context in ieee80211_vif_use_reserved_reassign(). Therefore, we cannot check the old_ctx anymore, so we should set it to NULL after this point. However, since the new_ctx replace state is clearly not IEEE80211_CHANCTX_REPLACES_OTHER, we're not going to do anything else in this function and can just return to avoid accessing the freed old_ctx.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-49416?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: wifi: mac80211: fix use-after-free in chanctx code In ieee80211_vif_use_reserved_context(), when we have an old context and the new context's replace_state is set to IEEE80211_CHANCTX_REPLACE_NONE, we free the old context in ieee80211_vif_use_reserved_reassign(). Therefore, we cannot check the old_ctx anymore, so we should set it to NULL after this point. However, since the new_ctx replace state is clearly not IEEE80211_CHANCTX_REPLACES_OTHER, we're not going to do anything else in this function and can just return to avoid accessing the freed old_ctx.
How severe is CVE-2022-49416?
CVE-2022-49416 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2022-49416 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (17th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-49416?
CVE-2022-49416 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-49416?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2022-49416 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2022-49416 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2022-54813.
When was CVE-2022-49416 published?
CVE-2022-49416 was published on 2025-02-26 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

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