CVE-2022-50837 net: dsa: tag_8021q: avoid leaking ctx on dsa_tag_8021q_register() error path
A memory leak in the Linux kernel DSA tag_8021q module allows local attackers to cause a denial of service by triggering an error path.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2022-50837?
CVE-2022-50837 is a memory corruption vulnerability in Linux, published on 30 Dec 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
net: dsa: tag_8021q: avoid leaking ctx on dsa_tag_8021q_register() error path
If dsa_tag_8021q_setup() fails, for example due to the inability of the device to install a VLAN, the tag_8021q context of the switch will leak. Make sure it is freed on the error path.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-50837?
How do I fix CVE-2022-50837?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Upgrade to the fixed version. Memory-safe languages, compiler hardening and fuzzing prevent most new cases. More about Memory corruption.
Is CVE-2022-50837 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2022-50837 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2022-50837, GHSA-6jwx-qgw3-m69w, UBUNTU-CVE-2022-50837.