CVE-2022-23222
kernel: local privileges escalation in kernel/bpf/verifier.c
Severity
ModerateRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · January 14, 2022
Updated · June 28, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's adjust_ptr_min_max_vals in the kernel/bpf/verifier.c function. In this flaw, a missing sanity check for *_OR_NULL pointer types that perform pointer arithmetic may cause a kernel information leak issue.
Statement
The default Red Hat Enterprise Linux kernel prevents unprivileged users from being able to use eBPF by the kernel.unprivileged_bpf_disabled sysctl.
This would require a privileged user with CAP_SYS_ADMIN or root to be able to abuse this flaw reducing its attack space.
For the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 the eBPF for unprivileged users is always disabled. For the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 to confirm the current state, inspect the sysctl with the command:
# cat /proc/sys/kernel/unprivileged_bpf_disabled
The setting of 1 would mean that unprivileged users can not use eBPF, mitigating the flaw.
A kernel update will be required to mitigate the flaw for the root or users with CAP_SYS_ADMIN capabilities.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options don't meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base, or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 6.7CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CWE-763 · Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference