CVE-2022-49213 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the ath10k wireless driver component. The issue arises from improper error handling in the function ath10k_setup_msa_resources. This function calls of_parse_phandle(), which returns a device_node pointer with its reference count incremented. Proper management of this reference count requires calling of_node_put() to decrement it once the pointer is no longer needed. However, the vulnerability stems from the fact that of_node_put() is only called in the regular (successful) execution path, and not in error paths. Consequently, if an error occurs, the reference count is leaked, leading to a resource leak. While this is not a direct code execution or privilege escalation vulnerability, reference count leaks can degrade system stability and reliability over time, potentially causing memory exhaustion or kernel resource depletion. The affected component, ath10k, is a widely used driver for Qualcomm Atheros 802.11ac wireless network adapters, which are common in many Linux-based systems. The vulnerability has been officially published but currently has no known exploits in the wild and lacks an assigned CVSS score. The root cause is a logic flaw in resource management in kernel code, which can be addressed by ensuring that of_node_put() is called in all code paths, including error handling branches.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability primarily concerns system stability and reliability rather than immediate security compromise. Systems running Linux kernels with the vulnerable ath10k driver may experience resource leaks under error conditions related to wireless device initialization or configuration. Over time, this could lead to degraded wireless functionality, kernel memory exhaustion, or system crashes, particularly in environments with high wireless device usage or frequent reconfiguration. This may affect critical infrastructure, enterprise servers, or embedded devices relying on Linux with Qualcomm Atheros wireless hardware. Although there is no direct evidence of exploitation for privilege escalation or data breach, the potential for denial of service through resource exhaustion could disrupt business operations, especially in sectors dependent on wireless connectivity. Additionally, the lack of a CVSS score and known exploits suggests a lower immediate threat level, but organizations should remain vigilant and apply patches promptly to maintain system integrity.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to versions where the ath10k driver has been patched to correctly handle reference counting in all code paths. Specifically, the patch must ensure that of_node_put() is invoked in error handling branches to prevent reference count leaks. System administrators should: 1) Identify Linux systems using Qualcomm Atheros ath10k wireless drivers; 2) Monitor vendor and Linux distribution security advisories for kernel updates addressing CVE-2022-49213; 3) Apply kernel updates or patches as soon as they become available; 4) For embedded or custom Linux environments, rebuild the kernel with the fixed driver code; 5) Implement monitoring for unusual kernel memory usage or wireless subsystem errors that could indicate resource leaks; 6) Consider temporary workarounds such as limiting wireless device reinitializations if patching is delayed. Since this vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication, proactive patch management is critical to prevent potential service degradation.