CVE-2022-48784 is a race condition vulnerability in the Linux kernel's cfg80211 subsystem, which handles wireless device configuration and management. The flaw arises from a race during the destruction of network interfaces via netlink communication. Specifically, the vulnerability occurs in the interaction between two kernel functions: cfg80211_destroy_ifaces() and nl80211_netlink_notify(). The issue stems from a previous fix intended to resolve a deadlock, which inadvertently introduced a race condition. This race happens because the kernel code iterates twice over network devices: first to close them (dev_close()), and second to destroy them. If multiple wireless devices exist, it is possible for one device to be closed in the first iteration and for the second iteration to attempt to destroy a device that has not yet been closed, leading to inconsistent state and potential use-after-free or double-free conditions. This can cause kernel instability or crashes, potentially leading to denial of service (DoS). The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by commit hashes, indicating it is present in certain development or stable branches prior to the fix. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The fix involves consolidating the iteration over devices to a single pass, preventing the race condition by ensuring devices are closed and destroyed in a consistent manner.

For European organizations, this vulnerability primarily poses a risk of denial of service on Linux systems that manage wireless interfaces, including servers, embedded devices, and network infrastructure running vulnerable kernel versions. Since Linux is widely used across Europe in enterprise environments, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure, exploitation could disrupt wireless connectivity or cause kernel panics, impacting availability. Although no known exploits exist, attackers with local access or the ability to send crafted netlink messages could trigger the race, potentially leading to system crashes or instability. This could affect organizations relying on Linux-based wireless access points, routers, or IoT devices. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are less likely unless combined with other vulnerabilities, but availability degradation could interrupt business operations, especially in sectors dependent on wireless networking such as manufacturing, healthcare, and public services.

European organizations should prioritize updating Linux kernels to versions that include the patch for CVE-2022-48784. Since the vulnerability is in the kernel's wireless interface management, kernel updates from trusted Linux distributions should be applied promptly. For environments where immediate patching is challenging, organizations can mitigate risk by limiting untrusted local user access and restricting netlink communication to trusted processes only. Network segmentation and strict access controls on wireless management interfaces can reduce exposure. Monitoring kernel logs for unusual netlink activity or frequent device close/destroy operations may help detect attempted exploitation. Additionally, organizations should audit their wireless device usage and consider disabling unused wireless interfaces to minimize attack surface. Coordination with Linux distribution vendors for timely patch deployment is critical.