CVE-2022-49940

Medium

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: tty: n_gsm: add sanity check for gsm->receive in gsm_receive_buf() A null pointer dereference can happen when attempting to access the "gsm->receive()" function in gsmld_receive_buf(). Currently, the code assumes that gsm->recieve is only called after MUX activation. Since the gsmld_receive_buf() function can be accessed without the need to initialize the MUX, the gsm->receive() function will not be set and a NULL pointer dereference will occur. Fix this by avoiding the call to "gsm->receive()" in case the function is not initialized by adding a sanity check. Call Trace: <TASK> gsmld_receive_buf+0x1c2/0x2f0 drivers/tty/n_gsm.c:2861 tiocsti drivers/tty/tty_io.c:2293 [inline] tty_ioctl+0xa75/0x15d0 drivers/tty/tty_io.c:2692 vfs_ioctl fs/ioctl.c:51 [inline] __do_sys_ioctl fs/ioctl.c:870 [inline] __se_sys_ioctl fs/ioctl.c:856 [inline] __x64_sys_ioctl+0x193/0x200 fs/ioctl.c:856 do_syscall_x64 arch/x86/entry/common.c:50 [inline] do_syscall_64+0x35/0xb0 arch/x86/entry/common.c:80 entry_SYSCALL_64_after_hwframe+0x63/0xcd

Package Linux Kernel
Published 2025-06-18
Last modified 2025-11-14
CVSS version 3.1
Patch available
Not yet patched

CVSS 3.1 score

5.5

out of 10
Medium
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
Low
Integrity
None
Availability
High
Vector string
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Weakness type

CWE-476

CVE-2022-49940 is a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability

What is NULL Pointer Dereference?

The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL, typically causing a crash. Learn more on MITRE CWE

Affected versions

Linux kernel versions 5.18.18, 5.15.61, 5.19.2 and later are affected. No fixed version recorded yet.

Affected from
≥ 5.18.18 ≥ 5.15.61 ≥ 5.19.2

References

The following references provide additional information about CVE-2022-49940 including vendor advisories, patch commits, exploit details, and third-party analysis. Links are sourced from the NIST NVD database.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is CVE-2022-49940?

    CVE-2022-49940 is a Medium severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.5 out of 10 , classified as a NULL Pointer Dereference flaw (CWE-476) . It affects Linux kernel versions from 5.18.18 onward . CVE-2022-49940 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.

  • What is the CVSS score for CVE-2022-49940?

    CVE-2022-49940 has a CVSS score of 5.5 out of 10, rated Medium severity (CVSS 3.1). The vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H .

  • Is there a patch available for CVE-2022-49940?

    No patch is currently available for CVE-2022-49940. Monitor the NIST NVD and your Linux distribution's security advisories for updates.

  • Is CVE-2022-49940 actively exploited?

    No — CVE-2022-49940 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

  • What is NULL Pointer Dereference (CWE-476)?

    The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL, typically causing a crash. View CWE-476 on MITRE CWE →