CVE-2022-48927 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the Industrial I/O (IIO) subsystem's ADC driver for the tsc2046 device. The issue arises due to a mismatch between the number of channels counted and the size of the allocated array used to store channel data. The variable indio_dev->num_channels includes all physical channels plus an additional timestamp channel, whereas the array allocated for channel data only accounts for physical channels. This discrepancy can lead to an array overflow, causing memory corruption. The root cause is that the code uses num_channels to index into an array sized only for physical channels, potentially overwriting adjacent memory. The fix involves replacing the use of num_channels with ARRAY_SIZE(), which correctly reflects the array's allocated size, thereby preventing overflow. The timestamp channel bit in active_scanmask is never set by the IIO core, so this vulnerability is more of a cleanup than a critical fix. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 9374e8f5a38defe90bc65b2decf317c1c62d91dd. This flaw could theoretically be exploited to cause memory corruption, potentially leading to system instability or privilege escalation if an attacker can control the input to the vulnerable driver. However, exploitation complexity is likely high due to the need for local access and specific hardware conditions involving the tsc2046 ADC device. The vulnerability is technical and low-level, affecting systems running Linux kernels with this driver and configuration enabled.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-48927 depends largely on their use of Linux systems with the affected kernel versions and hardware utilizing the tsc2046 ADC device. Industrial control systems, embedded devices, or specialized hardware platforms in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, or telecommunications that rely on this ADC driver could be at risk. Memory corruption vulnerabilities can lead to denial of service through kernel crashes or, in worst cases, privilege escalation allowing attackers to gain higher system privileges. Given the specialized nature of the hardware involved, widespread impact is limited, but critical infrastructure or industrial environments using affected devices could face operational disruptions. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable. European organizations with Linux-based embedded systems or IoT devices should be particularly vigilant. Additionally, organizations in sectors with stringent uptime and security requirements, such as finance or healthcare, could suffer from service interruptions or data integrity issues if exploitation occurs.

To mitigate CVE-2022-48927, European organizations should: 1) Identify Linux systems running kernel versions containing the vulnerable tsc2046 ADC driver, especially those with hardware using this ADC. 2) Apply the official Linux kernel patches or upgrade to kernel versions where this vulnerability is fixed (commit 9374e8f5a38defe90bc65b2decf317c1c62d91dd or later). 3) For embedded or industrial devices where kernel upgrades are challenging, coordinate with hardware vendors for firmware updates or patches. 4) Implement strict access controls to limit local user access to systems with the vulnerable driver, as exploitation likely requires local privileges. 5) Monitor system logs and kernel messages for unusual behavior or crashes related to the IIO subsystem. 6) Employ runtime protections such as kernel memory protection features (e.g., Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization - KASLR, and Kernel Page Table Isolation - KPTI) to reduce exploitation potential. 7) Conduct security audits on embedded Linux devices in critical infrastructure to ensure they are not running vulnerable kernel versions. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on hardware-specific identification, patch management in embedded contexts, and access control to reduce attack surface.