CVE-2022-3577 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the Kid-friendly Wired Controller driver implemented in the file drivers/hid/hid-bigbenff.c. The flaw arises from an out-of-bounds memory write caused by an incorrect assumption in the bigben_probe function that all bigben devices have input capabilities. This assumption is invalidated by the possibility of malicious devices that do not conform to this expectation, leading to an out-of-bounds write condition. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-401, which relates to improper release of memory or memory leaks, but in this context, it manifests as an out-of-bounds write that can corrupt memory. Exploitation requires local access with low privileges (local attacker with limited privileges) and does not require user interaction. The impact of successful exploitation includes the ability to crash the system (denial of service) or potentially escalate privileges, thereby compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel version 5.19-rc1, and no known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.8, reflecting high severity with attack vector local, low attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The root cause is a logic flaw in device input assumptions, which can be triggered by connecting or simulating a malicious bigben device that violates expected input characteristics, causing kernel memory corruption. This vulnerability is critical for environments running the affected kernel version or derivatives and requires patching or mitigation to prevent local privilege escalation or denial of service.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-3577 can be significant, particularly for those relying on Linux systems with kernel versions around 5.19-rc1 or customized kernels derived from this version. The vulnerability allows a local attacker to cause system crashes or escalate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or disruption of critical services. This is especially concerning for sectors with high reliance on Linux infrastructure such as finance, telecommunications, government, and critical infrastructure. Privilege escalation could enable attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or exfiltrate confidential information. Denial of service attacks could disrupt business operations, leading to financial loss and reputational damage. Since the flaw requires local access, the threat is more pronounced in environments where multiple users have access to the same system or where attackers can gain initial footholds through other means (e.g., phishing, compromised credentials). The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge. European organizations must consider the risk in the context of their Linux kernel deployment and threat landscape, especially given the widespread use of Linux in enterprise and cloud environments.

1. Patch Management: Apply official kernel patches or upgrade to a Linux kernel version where this vulnerability is fixed. Since no patch links are provided in the source, monitor vendor advisories (e.g., Red Hat, Debian, Ubuntu) for updates addressing CVE-2022-3577. 2. Kernel Version Control: Avoid using pre-release or release candidate kernel versions like 5.19-rc1 in production environments. 3. Device Access Control: Restrict physical and logical access to USB or HID devices, especially untrusted or unknown bigben devices, to prevent malicious device connection that could trigger the vulnerability. 4. User Privilege Management: Limit local user privileges and enforce strict access controls to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 5. Monitoring and Detection: Implement kernel integrity monitoring and anomaly detection to identify unusual crashes or privilege escalations potentially linked to this vulnerability. 6. Virtualization and Sandboxing: Where possible, isolate untrusted users or devices in virtualized or containerized environments to limit the impact of exploitation. 7. Incident Response Preparedness: Prepare for potential exploitation by having response plans for privilege escalation and denial of service incidents involving Linux systems.