# CVE-2022-38096: Linux Kernel NULL pointer dereference in vmwgfx driver

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2022-38096-linux-kernel-null-pointer-dereference-in-vmwgfx-driver  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-09-09. Updated: 2026-05-12  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2022-38096 · Severity: medium · CVSS 6.3 · Published 2022-09-09

A security vulnerability has been identified in the Linux kernel's VMware graphics driver (vmwgfx), which is used to manage video hardware in virtualized environments. A local user with standard access to the system could exploit this flaw to crash the operating system, leading to a total denial of service. This could disrupt business operations and impact the availability of services running on affected virtual machines or industrial controllers.

Technologies: [Linux Kernel](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/kernel), [Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP - GNU/Linux subsystem](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/simatic-s7-1500-tm-mfp-gnu-linux-subsystem). Vendors: [Linux](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/linux), [Siemens](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/siemens).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2022-38096 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2022-38096 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2022-38096?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 6.3, published 9 September 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP - GNU/Linux subsystem All versions.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2022-38096?** A patch was published on 2024-04-18: Fix merged in Anolis OS kernel Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2022-38096 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2022-38096?** Check whether you run Linux Kernel, OpenAnolis Anolis OS or Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP - GNU/Linux subsystem at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability exists in the vmwgfx driver within the Linux kernel, specifically in the 'vmw_cmd_dx_define_query' function in 'drivers/gpu/vmxgfx/vmxgfx_execbuf.c'. The issue occurs because 'ctx_node->ctx' can be a NULL pointer when uninitialized. A local attacker with access to the '/dev/dri/renderD128' (or similar) device file can trigger this flaw via crafted ioctl() calls. Successful exploitation results in a kernel panic (Denial of Service) and has been reported to potentially allow for privilege escalation. Patches have been merged into various distributions including Anolis OS and Debian LTS.

## Affected products

- Linux Linux Kernel 4.20 to 5.13.0-53
- OpenAnolis Anolis OS 8.6
- Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 TM MFP - GNU/Linux subsystem All versions

## Timeline

- 2022-09-06: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to OpenAnolis bug tracker
- 2022-09-09: advisory: NVD published CVE-2022-38096
- 2024-04-18: patched: Fix merged in Anolis OS kernel
- 2024-06-25: patched: Debian LTS released security update DLA-3842-1

## References

- [https://bugzilla.openanolis.cn/show_bug.cgi?id=2073](https://bugzilla.openanolis.cn/show_bug.cgi?id=2073)
- [https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2024/06/msg00017.html](https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2024/06/msg00017.html)
- [https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-265688.html](https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-265688.html)

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