CVE-2022-49481 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the regulator subsystem related to the pfuze100 power management IC driver. The issue arises from a reference count leak in the function pfuze_parse_regulators_dt. In Linux device tree handling, the function of_node_get() increments the reference count of a device tree node to manage its lifecycle properly. However, the vulnerable code fails to call of_node_put() to decrement the reference count when the node is no longer needed. This leads to a reference count leak, which over time can cause resource exhaustion within the kernel. While this is not a direct code execution or privilege escalation vulnerability, the leak can degrade system stability and reliability, potentially leading to denial of service (DoS) conditions if the kernel runs out of references or memory associated with device tree nodes. The vulnerability affects specific versions of the Linux kernel, as indicated by the commit hashes provided, and has been addressed by ensuring that of_node_put() is called appropriately to release references. There are no known exploits in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability is technical and subtle, primarily impacting systems that utilize the pfuze100 regulator driver, which is common in embedded Linux environments and certain ARM-based platforms.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49481 depends largely on their deployment of Linux-based systems using the pfuze100 regulator driver. This is typically relevant for embedded devices, industrial control systems, and specialized hardware running customized Linux kernels. The primary risk is system instability or denial of service due to resource leaks, which can interrupt critical services or operations. In sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, or critical infrastructure where embedded Linux devices are prevalent, this could lead to operational disruptions. Although the vulnerability does not directly enable remote code execution or privilege escalation, the resulting instability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain or cause significant downtime. European organizations relying on embedded Linux platforms in IoT, industrial automation, or telecommunications equipment should be aware of this vulnerability. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to potential future exploitation or accidental system failures.

Organizations should ensure that all Linux kernel versions in use, especially those customized for embedded or ARM-based platforms, are updated to include the patch that fixes the reference count leak in the pfuze100 regulator driver. This involves applying the latest stable kernel updates or vendor-provided patches that address CVE-2022-49481. For embedded devices where kernel updates are less frequent, vendors should be contacted to obtain patched firmware or kernel versions. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring for kernel resource usage and system stability to detect early signs of resource exhaustion. Incorporating automated update mechanisms for embedded devices can help reduce the window of exposure. For critical systems, consider isolating affected devices from external networks to limit attack surface until patches are applied. Finally, maintain an inventory of devices running Linux kernels with the pfuze100 driver to prioritize patching efforts effectively.