CVE-2022-49218 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem, specifically within the DisplayPort (DP) handling code. The issue arises from an out-of-bounds (OOB) read in the function drm_dp_get_adjust_request_post_cursor located in drm_dp_helper.c. The vulnerability is caused by the link_status array being defined with insufficient size (6 bytes) to safely access the Adjust Request Post Cursor2 register, which requires accessing an index beyond the array bounds (index 10). This improper array indexing leads to reading memory outside the allocated buffer, which is a classic OOB read flaw. The root cause was detected during compilation with the -Warray-bounds warning flag, indicating unsafe array access. To remediate the issue, the Linux kernel developers removed the common helper function that performed the unsafe access and replaced it with an open-coded fetch and decode approach, similar to the method used in the AMD display driver code. This fix prevents the OOB read by ensuring that the code only accesses valid memory within the link_status array. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions identified by commit hashes (79465e0ffeb9e4866939ea562bc55367be91e595). No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The flaw is technical and low-level, related to GPU driver code that handles DisplayPort link status registers, which are critical for display communication and graphics rendering.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49218 depends largely on their use of Linux-based systems with vulnerable kernel versions, particularly those that rely on DisplayPort interfaces for graphics output. The vulnerability could lead to information disclosure or system instability if exploited, as OOB reads can potentially leak sensitive kernel memory or cause crashes. However, since this is a read-only out-of-bounds access rather than a write, the risk of arbitrary code execution is lower but not impossible if combined with other vulnerabilities. Organizations running Linux servers, desktops, or embedded devices with affected kernels and DisplayPort hardware could experience degraded system reliability or potential data leakage. Critical infrastructure or industries relying on Linux for graphical interfaces (e.g., design, media, or control systems) may be more affected. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable. Given the widespread use of Linux in Europe across government, enterprise, and industrial sectors, the vulnerability warrants prompt attention to avoid potential exploitation or system disruptions.

European organizations should take the following specific mitigation steps: 1) Identify all Linux systems running affected kernel versions, especially those with GPU hardware using DisplayPort interfaces. 2) Apply the official Linux kernel patches that remove the unsafe helper function and implement the safe fetch and decode logic as soon as they become available from trusted Linux distributions or kernel maintainers. 3) For systems where immediate patching is not feasible, consider disabling or limiting the use of DisplayPort interfaces or GPU features that invoke the vulnerable code path, if operationally possible. 4) Monitor system logs and kernel messages for unusual GPU or DRM subsystem errors that could indicate attempted exploitation or instability. 5) Employ kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and memory protection features to reduce the impact of potential OOB reads. 6) Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from any potential system compromise or failure. 7) Coordinate with hardware vendors and Linux distribution providers to ensure timely updates and advisories are received and acted upon.