CVE-2022-48957 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the dpaa2-switch component, which is responsible for handling certain network switching functionalities. The issue arises in the functions dpaa2_switch_acl_entry_add() and dpaa2_switch_acl_entry_remove(), where a memory leak occurs due to the failure to free the cmd_buff buffer when an error condition happens. This memory leak can lead to gradual consumption of kernel memory resources, potentially degrading system performance or causing instability over time. The dpaa2-switch is part of the Data Path Acceleration Architecture (DPAA2) used primarily in embedded and network devices running Linux, often in specialized hardware environments. Although this vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation, the memory leak could be exploited by an attacker to cause denial of service (DoS) conditions by exhausting kernel memory, especially in systems with limited resources or those under heavy network load. The vulnerability has been patched in recent Linux kernel updates, but no known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating that this is a relatively recent and narrowly scoped issue.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-48957 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems utilizing the dpaa2-switch component. This vulnerability is more relevant to organizations operating embedded Linux devices, network appliances, or specialized telecommunications infrastructure that use DPAA2 hardware acceleration. In such environments, a memory leak could lead to degraded network performance or device instability, potentially disrupting critical network services. This could affect sectors such as telecommunications providers, industrial control systems, and data centers relying on Linux-based network hardware. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the availability of network services could be impacted, leading to operational disruptions. Given the absence of known exploits, the immediate risk is moderate, but unpatched systems could be vulnerable to targeted DoS attacks that degrade service reliability.

European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel versions to include the patch that fixes this memory leak in dpaa2_switch_acl_entry_add() and dpaa2_switch_acl_entry_remove(). Specifically, kernel maintainers and system administrators should verify that their Linux distributions have incorporated the fix corresponding to CVE-2022-48957. For embedded and network devices using DPAA2 hardware, firmware and kernel updates should be applied promptly. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring of kernel memory usage and network device stability to detect early signs of memory leaks or resource exhaustion. Network segmentation and limiting access to management interfaces of affected devices can reduce the risk of exploitation. Finally, maintaining an inventory of devices running affected Linux kernel versions will help prioritize patching efforts and reduce exposure.