CVE-2021-47093 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the Intel PMC (Performance Monitoring Counters) core driver for x86 platforms. The issue arises during the device registration process in the kernel module initialization phase. If the registration of the platform device fails, the platform device structure is not properly freed, leading to a memory leak. The root cause is the omission of a call to platform_device_put(), which is necessary to release all allocated resources such as the device name and associated memory. This vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation but can cause resource exhaustion over time if the failure condition is repeatedly triggered. The vulnerability was addressed by ensuring that the platform device structure is correctly freed upon registration failure, preventing the memory leak. There are no known exploits in the wild targeting this vulnerability, and no CVSS score has been assigned. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions containing the affected commit hashes referenced, which are typical for distributions using the Intel PMC core driver on x86 architectures.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-47093 is primarily related to system stability and resource management rather than direct compromise or data breach. Systems running vulnerable Linux kernels with Intel PMC core enabled on x86 hardware could experience gradual memory exhaustion if device registration failures occur frequently, potentially leading to degraded performance or system crashes. This could affect servers, workstations, or embedded devices running Linux in critical infrastructure, industrial control systems, or enterprise environments. While the vulnerability itself does not allow attackers to gain unauthorized access or execute arbitrary code, the resulting denial of service through resource depletion could disrupt business operations, especially in environments where uptime and reliability are critical. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to potential future exploitation or accidental triggering of the leak.

To mitigate CVE-2021-47093, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel updates from their distribution vendors that include the patch fixing the memory leak in the intel_pmc_core driver. 2) Monitor system logs for device registration failures related to Intel PMC core to identify potential triggering conditions. 3) Implement proactive resource monitoring to detect abnormal memory usage patterns that could indicate a leak. 4) For critical systems, consider disabling the Intel PMC core driver if performance monitoring is not required, reducing the attack surface. 5) Maintain robust patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of kernel updates. 6) Test kernel updates in staging environments to prevent operational disruptions before production rollout. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on monitoring and driver-specific controls relevant to this vulnerability.