CVE-2022-49237 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically related to the ath11k wireless driver component. The issue arises from a missing call to of_node_put() after obtaining a node pointer via of_find_node_by_type() or of_parse_phandle(). These functions increment the reference count of the device tree node pointer, and failing to decrement this count by calling of_node_put() results in a reference count leak. Over time, this leak can cause resource exhaustion within the kernel's device tree management subsystem. The vulnerability is essentially a memory/resource leak rather than a direct code execution or privilege escalation flaw. The root cause is a missing cleanup step in the kernel code, which was addressed by adding the missing of_node_put() call to properly manage the reference count lifecycle. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and the vulnerability affects specific versions of the Linux kernel as indicated by the commit hashes provided. The vulnerability does not have an assigned CVSS score, and it is primarily a stability and resource management issue rather than a direct security compromise vector.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49237 is primarily related to system stability and reliability rather than direct data breaches or unauthorized access. Systems running affected Linux kernel versions with the ath11k wireless driver could experience gradual resource depletion due to the reference count leak, potentially leading to kernel memory exhaustion or degraded wireless functionality. This could result in intermittent connectivity issues, system crashes, or forced reboots, impacting business continuity especially in environments relying heavily on wireless networking such as remote offices, IoT deployments, or mobile workforce scenarios. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact could disrupt critical operations. Organizations with large-scale Linux deployments, particularly those using wireless hardware supported by the ath11k driver, should be aware of this risk. However, the absence of known exploits and the nature of the flaw suggest a lower immediate threat level compared to vulnerabilities enabling remote code execution or privilege escalation.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49237, organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for the missing of_node_put() call in the ath11k driver. Kernel updates should be tested and deployed promptly, especially on systems with wireless hardware using the affected driver. Additionally, monitoring system logs for kernel warnings or errors related to device tree node reference counts can help detect potential resource leaks. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, consider limiting the use of affected wireless hardware or disabling the ath11k driver if it is not essential. Implementing robust system resource monitoring and automated alerts for unusual kernel memory usage can provide early warning signs of exploitation or system degradation. Finally, maintain a disciplined patch management process and subscribe to Linux kernel security advisories to stay informed about related vulnerabilities and fixes.