CVE-2022-45885 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel versions up to 6.0.9, specifically within the DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) subsystem driver code located in drivers/media/dvb-core/dvb_frontend.c. The vulnerability arises from a race condition that can lead to a use-after-free (UAF) scenario when a DVB device is disconnected. A race condition in this context means that the kernel code improperly handles concurrent operations related to device disconnection and resource cleanup, allowing an attacker to trigger access to memory that has already been freed. This can result in undefined behavior including memory corruption, kernel crashes (denial of service), or potentially arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-362 (Race Condition) and CWE-416 (Use After Free), indicating that the root cause is a timing flaw in resource management. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.0, with vector AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, meaning the attack requires local access (local vector), high attack complexity, low privileges, no user interaction, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. No known exploits are reported in the wild as of the publication date, and no official patches are linked in the provided data, suggesting that mitigation may require manual kernel updates or backports from later kernel versions. This vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels up to 6.0.9 that have DVB frontend drivers enabled and in use, which are common in media servers, set-top boxes, and some embedded devices that handle digital TV signals.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-45885 can be significant in environments where Linux-based systems with DVB hardware are deployed. This includes broadcasters, media companies, telecommunications providers, and any enterprise using Linux servers or embedded devices for digital video reception or processing. Exploitation could allow a local attacker or malicious insider to escalate privileges to kernel level, leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of critical media services. The vulnerability's ability to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability simultaneously means sensitive media content and operational continuity could be at risk. Additionally, organizations relying on embedded Linux devices in industrial or IoT contexts that incorporate DVB functionality may face operational disruptions or be leveraged as pivot points for broader network attacks. Although exploitation requires local access and high attack complexity, the presence of low privilege requirements and no user interaction needed increases the risk in multi-user or shared environments. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk, especially as threat actors may develop exploits over time.

To mitigate CVE-2022-45885 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Identify all Linux systems running kernel versions up to 6.0.9 with DVB frontend drivers enabled, including embedded devices and media servers. 2) Apply kernel updates or patches from trusted sources that address this race condition; if official patches are unavailable, consider upgrading to Linux kernel versions beyond 6.0.9 where the issue is resolved. 3) For embedded or specialized devices where kernel upgrades are not feasible, implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and restrict physical or remote access to trusted personnel only. 4) Employ runtime security tools such as kernel integrity checkers and exploit mitigation frameworks (e.g., KASLR, SMEP, SMAP) to reduce the risk of successful exploitation. 5) Monitor system logs and kernel messages for signs of abnormal behavior or crashes related to DVB device disconnections. 6) In multi-user environments, enforce strict user separation and minimize the number of users with local access to vulnerable systems. 7) Engage with device vendors and maintain awareness of security advisories for embedded products incorporating DVB functionality to receive timely updates. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific subsystem affected and the operational contexts where DVB drivers are used.