CVE-2022-50569: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: Update ipcomp_scratches with NULL when freed Currently if ipcomp_alloc_scr...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: Update ipcomp_scratches with NULL when freed Currently if ipcomp_alloc_scratches() fails to allocate memory ipcomp_scratches holds obsolete address. So when we try to free the percpu scratches using ipcomp_free_scratches() it tries to vfree non existent vm area. Described below: static void * __percpu *ipcomp_alloc_scratches(void) { ... scratches = alloc_percpu(void *); if (!scratches) return NULL; ipcomp_scratches does not know about this allocation failure. Therefore holding the old obsolete address. ... } So when we free, static void ipcomp_free_scratches(void) { ... scratches = ipcomp_scratches; Assigning obsolete address from ipcomp_scratches if (!scratches) return; for_each_possible_cpu(i) vfree(*per_cpu_ptr(scratches, i)); Trying to free non existent page, causing warning: trying to vfree existent vm area. ... } Fix this breakage by updating ipcomp_scrtches with NULL when scratches is freed

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%

14.2th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Affected Software

Source: CNA advisory (CVE.org). NVD analysis pending.

Vendor	Product	Versions
Linux	Linux	>= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < debca61df6bc2f65e020656c9c5b878d6b38d30f; >= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < a39f456d62810c0efb43cead22f98d95b53e4b1a; >= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < 1e8abde895b3ac6a368cbdb372e8800c49e73a28; >= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < 18373ed500f7cd53e24d9b0bd0f1c09d78dba87e; >= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < be81c44242b20fc3bdcc73480ef8aaee56f5d0b6; >= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < 03155680191ef0f004b1d6a5714c5b8cd271ab61; >= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < f3bdba4440d82e0da2b1bfc35d3836c8a8e00677; >= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < 2c19945ce8095d065df550e7fe350cd5cc40c6e6; >= 1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2, < 8a04d2fc700f717104bfb95b0f6694e448a4537f
Linux	Linux	2.6.12

References

Timeline

Published: Oct 22, 2025
Last Modified: Aug 4, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2022-50569?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xfrm: Update ipcomp_scratches with NULL when freed Currently if ipcomp_alloc_scratches() fails to allocate memory ipcomp_scratches holds obsolete address. So when we try to free the percpu scratches using ipcomp_free_scratches() it tries to vfree non existent vm area. Described below: static void * __percpu *ipcomp_alloc_scratches(void) { ... scratches = alloc_percpu(void *); if (!scratches) return NULL; ipcomp_scratches does not know about this allocation failure. Therefore holding the old obsolete address. ... } So when we free, static void ipcomp_free_scratches(void) { ... scratches = ipcomp_scratches; Assigning obsolete address from ipcomp_scratches if (!scratches) return; for_each_possible_cpu(i) vfree(*per_cpu_ptr(scratches, i)); Trying to free non existent page, causing warning: trying to vfree existent vm area. ... } Fix this breakage by updating ipcomp_scrtches with NULL when scratches is freed

How severe is CVE-2022-50569?

CVE-2022-50569 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-2022-50569?

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.

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