CVE-2022-2978

Name: CVE-2022-2978
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2022-08-24T16:15:12.01+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10EPSS 0.23%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2022-2978 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. A flaw use after free in the Linux kernel NILFS file system was found in the way user triggers function security_inode_alloc to fail with following call to function nilfs_mdt_destroy. A local user could use this flaw to crash the system or potentially escalate their privileges on the system.. EPSS estimates a 0.23% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A flaw use after free in the Linux kernel NILFS file system was found in the way user triggers function security_inode_alloc to fail with following call to function nilfs_mdt_destroy. A local user could use this flaw to crash the system or potentially escalate their privileges on the system.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

0.23%

14.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 2.6.12, < 4.9.331
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.10, < 4.14.296
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.15, < 4.19.262
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 4.20, < 5.4.218
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.5, < 5.10.148
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.11, < 5.15.73
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 5.16, < 5.19.15
Linux	Linux Kernel	>= 6.0, < 6.0.1
Debian	Debian Linux	10.0

References

https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2022/12/msg00034.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://lore.kernel.org/linux-fsdevel/20220816040859.659129-1-dzm91%40hust.edu.cn/T/#u
https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2022/12/msg00034.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://lore.kernel.org/linux-fsdevel/20220816040859.659129-1-dzm91%40hust.edu.cn/T/#u

Timeline

Published: Aug 24, 2022
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-2978?

How severe is CVE-2022-2978?

CVE-2022-2978 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.23% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2022-2978?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2022-2978?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST