Linux Kernel Improper Authentication Vulnerability
Linux Kernel contains an improper authentication vulnerability which could allow for privilege escalation via the cgroups v1 release_agent feature.
Quick answer
Linux Kernel should be reviewed and updated if it matches the affected versions. The recommended fix is to apply the vendor-supported patched version or the mitigation steps below, then retest the public website with Fixnx.
Who is affected
Affected versions
- -
- 5.17
- 9.0
- 10.0
- 11.0
- 8.0
- 8.2
- 4.0
- 8.1
- 14.04
- 16.04
- 18.04
- 20.04
- 22.04
- 35
Fixed versions
- Apply the latest vendor-supported patched version.
How to fix it
Update the Linux kernel to a release that fixes the cgroups release_agent escape issue and reduce container privilege. Hosts running containers should be prioritized because vulnerable configurations can allow container-to-host privilege escalation.
- Inventory Linux hosts, Kubernetes nodes, container hosts, CI runners, and appliances running affected kernels.
- Install the vendor kernel update that fixes CVE-2022-0492 and reboot into the patched kernel.
- Disable unneeded cgroup v1 usage and prefer hardened cgroup v2 configurations where supported.
- Remove privileged containers, hostPath mounts, host PID/IPC/network access, and excessive Linux capabilities unless explicitly required.
- Apply Kubernetes Pod Security, admission controls, seccomp, AppArmor or SELinux profiles, and read-only root filesystems where possible.
- Review container workloads for access to cgroup release_agent paths or suspicious host escape behavior.
- Rotate host, cluster, registry, and cloud credentials if a vulnerable container host showed signs of compromise.
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Verify the fix
- Confirm uname and package inventory show the patched kernel after reboot.
- Verify no production workload runs with unnecessary privileged container settings.
- Run vulnerability scanning across nodes and CI runners to confirm CVE-2022-0492 is closed.
- Review auditd, container runtime, and Kubernetes logs for suspicious cgroup or host mount access.
- Run a Fixnx scan against public services hosted on remediated infrastructure.
Related categories
Trusted references
FAQ
What is affected by CVE-2022-0492?
Linux Kernel versions listed as affected should be reviewed: -, 5.17, 9.0, 10.0, 11.0, 8.0, 8.2, 4.0, 8.1, 14.04, 16.04, 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 35.
What should I fix first?
Start with internet-facing sites, admin panels, login flows, plugins, themes, modules, packages, and systems that process user-controlled input or sensitive data.
How do I confirm the fix worked?
Apply the patched version or mitigation, clear caches where relevant, retest the affected workflow, and run a new Fixnx scan to verify public website exposure signals.
Why can this risk appear in multiple categories?
A vulnerability can belong to more than one platform or ecosystem. Fixnx keeps one canonical risk page while also listing it in every relevant category.