CVE-2022-39377 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the sysstat package, a widely used set of system performance monitoring tools on Linux operating systems. The vulnerability specifically impacts 32-bit Linux systems running sysstat versions from 9.1.16 up to but not including 12.7.1. The root cause lies in the allocate_structures function within the sa_common.c source file, where an incorrect calculation of buffer size occurs due to insufficient bounds checking before performing arithmetic multiplication on size_t variables. This leads to an integer overflow during buffer size allocation, resulting in a buffer that is smaller than intended. When the program subsequently writes data into this undersized buffer, it can cause a classic buffer overflow (CWE-120). Exploiting this flaw could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely (RCE), potentially gaining control over the affected system. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but is limited to 32-bit systems, which are less common today but still present in some environments. The issue has been addressed and patched in sysstat version 12.7.1, and users are strongly advised to upgrade to this or later versions to mitigate the risk. No known exploits have been reported in the wild to date, but the nature of the vulnerability and its potential for remote code execution make it a significant concern for affected systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-39377 could be substantial in environments where 32-bit Linux systems running vulnerable versions of sysstat are in use, particularly in legacy or embedded systems. Successful exploitation could lead to remote code execution, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of critical monitoring and performance tools, and potential lateral movement within networks. Industries relying on legacy Linux infrastructure, such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and certain government agencies, may face increased risk. Additionally, compromised monitoring tools could hinder incident detection and response efforts, prolonging the impact of an attack. While the vulnerability is less likely to affect modern 64-bit systems, organizations with mixed architectures or embedded devices should carefully assess their exposure. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially given the availability of source code and the straightforward nature of buffer overflow exploitation techniques.

1. Immediate upgrade of sysstat to version 12.7.1 or later on all affected 32-bit Linux systems to apply the official patch. 2. Conduct an inventory of Linux systems to identify any running vulnerable sysstat versions, with special attention to embedded and legacy devices that may be overlooked in standard patch management processes. 3. Implement network segmentation and strict access controls around critical monitoring infrastructure to limit potential attack vectors. 4. Employ runtime protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), stack canaries, and non-executable memory regions (DEP/NX) to mitigate exploitation of buffer overflows. 5. Monitor system logs and network traffic for unusual activity related to sysstat processes, including unexpected crashes or anomalous remote connections. 6. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, consider temporarily disabling sysstat or restricting its network exposure until updates can be applied. 7. Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and incident response plans to ensure rapid detection and remediation if exploitation attempts occur.