CVE-2022-49230 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the mt76 wireless driver for the mt7915 chipset. The issue pertains to a potential memory leak in the function mt7915_mcu_add_sta, which is responsible for adding a station (STA) in the wireless driver. The vulnerability arises because the allocated socket buffer (skb) is not properly freed in failure scenarios within this routine, leading to a memory leak. Memory leaks in kernel space can degrade system performance over time and potentially lead to denial of service conditions if the kernel runs out of memory or resources. Although this vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation, the improper resource management can be exploited by an attacker to cause instability or crashes in systems using the affected driver. The vulnerability has been addressed by ensuring that the allocated skb is freed correctly on failure paths in the mt7915_mcu_add_sta function. The affected versions are specific commits of the Linux kernel source code, indicating this is a low-level issue in the wireless driver implementation. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of publication, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49230 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems using the mt7915 wireless chipset and the mt76 driver. Many enterprise and industrial systems, including servers, embedded devices, and network appliances, run Linux and may use this driver for wireless connectivity. A memory leak in kernel space can lead to degraded system performance, increased system instability, and potential denial of service if the leak accumulates over time. This could disrupt critical operations, especially in environments where uptime and reliability are paramount, such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and public sector infrastructure. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact could be significant if exploited or triggered repeatedly. Additionally, systems with limited resources or those running long uptimes without rebooting are more susceptible to the adverse effects of memory leaks. European organizations relying on Linux-based wireless networking in sensitive or critical environments should consider this vulnerability a moderate risk until patched.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49230, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address this memory leak, ensuring the mt76 driver is updated to the fixed version. 2) Regularly monitor kernel updates and subscribe to Linux security advisories to stay informed about patches affecting wireless drivers. 3) For critical systems, consider implementing kernel live patching solutions to minimize downtime while applying fixes. 4) Monitor system logs and resource usage for signs of memory leaks or unusual kernel behavior related to wireless networking. 5) Where feasible, limit the use of the affected wireless chipset in critical infrastructure until patched. 6) Conduct thorough testing of wireless functionality post-patching to confirm stability and absence of regressions. 7) Employ network segmentation and access controls to reduce the risk of exploitation attempts targeting wireless interfaces. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on proactive patch management, monitoring, and operational controls specific to the affected wireless driver and chipset.