CVE-2022-49250 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the ALSA System on Chip (ASoC) codec driver for the 'rx-macro' component. The issue arises from improper bounds checking when accessing the 'comp_enabled[]' array related to the compander functionality in the AUX interpolator. The AUX interpolator does not have a compander, but the vulnerable code attempts to access compander data without verifying its presence. This leads to an out-of-bounds array access, which can cause undefined behavior such as memory corruption, potential kernel crashes, or other stability issues. The vulnerability is rooted in a missing conditional check before accessing the compander data, which is a classic programming error leading to buffer overflows or out-of-bounds reads/writes. The flaw affects certain versions of the Linux kernel identified by specific commit hashes, and it has been resolved by adding the necessary check to prevent invalid memory access. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no CVSS score has been assigned. The vulnerability impacts the kernel's audio subsystem, which is critical for systems relying on sound processing and related hardware interactions.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49250 depends largely on their use of Linux-based systems, particularly those that utilize the ALSA ASoC codec drivers for audio processing. Organizations running Linux servers, desktops, or embedded devices with affected kernel versions could experience system instability or crashes if the vulnerability is triggered. While the vulnerability does not directly indicate privilege escalation or remote code execution, out-of-bounds access in kernel space can potentially be leveraged by attackers to cause denial of service or, in more sophisticated attacks, to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code. This could disrupt critical services, especially in sectors relying on Linux for audio processing or embedded Linux devices in industrial control, telecommunications, or multimedia systems. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to maintain system integrity and availability. Given the widespread adoption of Linux in European enterprises, public sector, and critical infrastructure, unpatched systems could be vulnerable to targeted attacks or accidental crashes.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49250, European organizations should: 1) Apply the official Linux kernel patches that address this vulnerability as soon as they are available from trusted sources or distributions. 2) Regularly update Linux kernel versions to the latest stable releases to benefit from security fixes and improvements. 3) Conduct thorough testing of kernel updates in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to avoid service disruptions. 4) Monitor system logs and kernel messages for signs of abnormal behavior or crashes related to audio subsystem components. 5) For embedded or specialized devices using custom Linux kernels, coordinate with vendors or internal development teams to integrate the patch. 6) Employ kernel hardening techniques such as Kernel Address Space Layout Randomization (KASLR) and other memory protection mechanisms to reduce exploitation risk. 7) Limit access to systems running vulnerable kernels to trusted users and networks to reduce the attack surface. 8) Maintain an inventory of Linux kernel versions in use across the organization to prioritize patching efforts effectively.