CVE-2022-49216 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem for NVIDIA Tegra devices (tegra_dsi_ganged_probe function). The issue arises from a reference leak caused by improper management of device references. The function of_find_device_by_node() acquires a reference to a device node but fails to release it appropriately when it is no longer needed. This leads to a reference leak, which can cause resource exhaustion or memory leaks within the kernel. The vulnerability is addressed by adding a put_device() call to properly decrement the reference count, ensuring that resources are freed correctly. Although the vulnerability does not appear to have known exploits in the wild and lacks a CVSS score, the flaw affects the Linux kernel's DRM component for Tegra hardware, which is commonly used in embedded systems, IoT devices, and some specialized computing environments. The impact of this vulnerability is primarily related to resource management and stability rather than direct code execution or privilege escalation. However, prolonged exploitation or triggering of the leak could degrade system performance or cause denial of service due to resource exhaustion.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49216 depends largely on their use of Linux systems running on NVIDIA Tegra hardware or similar embedded platforms. Organizations deploying Tegra-based devices in industrial control systems, automotive applications, or IoT infrastructure could face stability issues or denial of service conditions if the vulnerability is triggered repeatedly. While this vulnerability does not directly lead to remote code execution or privilege escalation, the resulting resource leaks could disrupt critical services or device availability, impacting operational continuity. In sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, or critical infrastructure where embedded Linux devices are prevalent, this could translate into operational downtime or degraded performance. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to potential future exploitation or accidental triggering of the leak. European organizations with large-scale deployments of Tegra-based Linux devices should consider this vulnerability in their risk assessments and patch management processes.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49216, organizations should prioritize applying the official Linux kernel patches that include the put_device() call to fix the reference leak in the tegra_dsi_ganged_probe function. Since this vulnerability is specific to the DRM subsystem on Tegra hardware, organizations should audit their device inventory to identify affected systems running vulnerable kernel versions. For embedded and IoT devices, firmware updates incorporating the patched kernel should be deployed promptly. Additionally, monitoring system logs and resource usage metrics can help detect abnormal memory or resource consumption indicative of the leak being triggered. Implementing strict access controls and limiting untrusted code execution on affected devices can reduce the risk of accidental or malicious triggering. For environments where immediate patching is challenging, consider isolating affected devices from critical networks or applying kernel-level resource limits to mitigate potential denial of service impacts. Regularly reviewing vendor advisories and subscribing to Linux kernel security mailing lists will help maintain awareness of further developments or related vulnerabilities.