CVE-2022-49091 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem, specifically within the imx_pd_connector_get_modes function of the imx driver. The issue is a memory leak caused by improper handling when the function of_get_drm_display_mode fails. In such failure scenarios, the display mode variable is not properly released, leading to a resource leak. This vulnerability was detected through static analysis (Coverity ID 1443943) and has been addressed by ensuring that the display mode variable is correctly freed even when the retrieval of the display mode fails. The vulnerability affects certain versions of the Linux kernel as indicated by the commit hashes, although the exact kernel versions are not explicitly stated. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned. The vulnerability primarily impacts the DRM subsystem related to display mode management on i.MX platforms, which are commonly used in embedded systems and specialized hardware running Linux.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49091 is generally limited but should not be disregarded. The memory leak could lead to gradual resource exhaustion on affected systems, potentially causing degraded performance or system instability over time. This is particularly relevant for embedded devices or industrial control systems using i.MX processors running Linux, which are common in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure. While the vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation, the resulting instability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain or cause denial of service conditions. Organizations relying on Linux-based embedded devices or specialized hardware with the affected DRM driver should be aware of this risk. However, general-purpose Linux servers and desktops are less likely to be impacted due to the specificity of the affected driver and function.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory all Linux-based systems using i.MX processors or the affected DRM imx driver. 2) Apply the official Linux kernel patches that fix the memory leak as soon as they become available from trusted sources or Linux distributions. 3) For embedded or industrial devices where kernel updates are challenging, consider vendor firmware updates or workarounds provided by device manufacturers. 4) Monitor system logs and resource usage on affected devices to detect abnormal memory consumption that could indicate exploitation or impact from the leak. 5) Implement strict access controls and network segmentation for embedded devices to limit exposure. 6) Engage with hardware and software vendors to ensure timely updates and support for affected platforms. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific affected subsystem and device types relevant to this vulnerability.