Linux Kernel Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
n/a — kernel
A heap-based buffer overflow flaw was found in the way the legacy_parse_param function in the Filesystem Context functionality of the Linux kernel verified the supplied parameters length. An unprivileged (in case of unprivileged user namespaces enabled, otherwise needs namespaced CAP_SYS_ADMIN privilege) local user able to open a filesystem that does not support the Filesystem Context API (and thus fallbacks to legacy handling) could use this flaw to escalate their privileges on the system.
8.4
25.2%
Vector breakdown
- Attack vector
- Local
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- Published
- Feb 11, 2022
- Modified
- Oct 21, 2025
- Added to KEV
- Aug 21, 2024
- Federal patch due
- Sep 11, 2024
CISA required action
Apply updates per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if updates are unavailable.
Weakness classification
Proof-of-concept & exploitation references
Weaponization
Public repositories whose name or description references CVE-2022-0185, found via a live GitHub search at request time. These are community-sourced signals, not a verified working exploit - cross-check each one before relying on it, and treat higher star counts and recent activity as (weak) corroboration, not proof.
No public GitHub repositories referencing CVE-2022-0185 were found at last check. Absence here is not proof no exploit exists - see the references below for vendor advisories and write-ups.
References
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2022-0185?
A heap-based buffer overflow flaw was found in the way the legacy_parse_param function in the Filesystem Context functionality of the Linux kernel verified the supplied parameters length. An unprivileged (in case of unprivileged user namespaces enabled, otherwise needs namespaced CAP_SYS_ADMIN privilege) local user able to open a filesystem that does not support the Filesystem Context API (and thus fallbacks to legacy handling) could use this flaw to escalate their privileges on the system.
How severe is CVE-2022-0185?
CVE-2022-0185 has a CVSS base score of 8.4 out of 10 (CVSS 3.1).
Is CVE-2022-0185 actively exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2022-0185 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added Aug 21, 2024, meaning CISA has confirmed evidence of active exploitation.
What is the EPSS score for CVE-2022-0185?
25.2% - meaning FIRST.org's EPSS model estimates a 25.2% probability this vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within 30 days (98% percentile among all scored CVEs).
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2022-0185?
CVE-2022-0185 is classified under CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound CWE-190).
Cross-checked against
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