CVE-2022-50243

CVE-2022-50243 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: sctp: handle the error returned from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key When it returns an error from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key(), the active_key is actually not updated. The old sh_key will be freeed while it's still used as active key in asoc. Then an use-after-free will be triggered when sending patckets, as found by syzbot: sctp_auth_shkey_hold+0x22/0xa0 net/sctp/auth.c:112 sctp_set_owner_w net/sctp/socket.c:132 [inline] sctp_sendmsg_to_asoc+0xbd5/0x1a20 net/sctp/socket.c:1863 sctp_sendmsg+0x1053/0x1d50 net/sctp/socket.c:2025 inet_sendmsg+0x99/0xe0 net/ipv4/af_inet.c:819 sock_sendmsg_nosec net/socket.c:714 [inline] sock_sendmsg+0xcf/0x120 net/socket.c:734 This patch is to fix it by not replacing the sh_key when it returns errors from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key() in sctp_auth_set_key(). For sctp_auth_set_active_key(), old active_key_id will be set back to asoc->active_key_id when the same thing happens.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2022-50243?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: sctp: handle the error returned from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key When it returns an error from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key(), the active_key is actually not updated. The old sh_key will be freeed while it's still used as active key in asoc. Then an use-after-free will be triggered when sending patckets, as found by syzbot: sctp_auth_shkey_hold+0x22/0xa0 net/sctp/auth.c:112 sctp_set_owner_w net/sctp/socket.c:132 [inline] sctp_sendmsg_to_asoc+0xbd5/0x1a20 net/sctp/socket.c:1863 sctp_sendmsg+0x1053/0x1d50 net/sctp/socket.c:2025 inet_sendmsg+0x99/0xe0 net/ipv4/af_inet.c:819 sock_sendmsg_nosec net/socket.c:714 [inline] sock_sendmsg+0xcf/0x120 net/socket.c:734 This patch is to fix it by not replacing the sh_key when it returns errors from sctp_auth_asoc_init_active_key() in sctp_auth_set_key(). For sctp_auth_set_active_key(), old active_key_id will be set back to asoc->active_key_id when the same thing happens.
How severe is CVE-2022-50243?
CVE-2022-50243 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-2022-50243 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (5th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-50243?
CVE-2022-50243 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-50243?
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-2022-50243 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2022-50243 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2022-55509.
When was CVE-2022-50243 published?
CVE-2022-50243 was published on 2025-09-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (7)

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