CVE-2022-49482 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically related to the ASoC (ALSA System on Chip) mxs-saif driver component. The issue arises from a reference count leak in the mxs_saif_probe function. The root cause is improper management of device tree node pointers returned by the function of_parse_phandle(), which increments the reference count on the node pointer. The vulnerability occurs because the code fails to call of_node_put() to decrement the reference count once the node pointer is no longer needed. This results in a reference count leak, which can lead to resource exhaustion or memory leaks within the kernel. While this vulnerability does not directly indicate a memory corruption or privilege escalation, the leak of kernel references can degrade system stability and potentially be leveraged in complex attack chains to cause denial of service or other unintended behavior. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the Linux kernel identified by the commit hash 08641c7c74dddfcd726512edfaa3b4cbe42e523e. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no CVSS score has been assigned. The issue was published on February 26, 2025, and is categorized as a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's device driver subsystem. The fix involves ensuring that of_node_put() is called appropriately to decrement the reference count and prevent leaks.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49482 is primarily related to system stability and reliability rather than direct compromise of confidentiality or integrity. Linux is widely used across Europe in servers, embedded systems, and industrial devices. Organizations relying on affected Linux kernel versions with the mxs-saif driver could experience kernel memory leaks leading to degraded performance or denial of service conditions over time. This is particularly relevant for critical infrastructure, telecommunications, and industrial control systems where Linux-based embedded devices are common. Although no direct exploitation has been reported, the vulnerability could be leveraged in multi-stage attacks or combined with other vulnerabilities to escalate impact. The lack of authentication or user interaction requirements means that if an attacker has local access or can execute code on the system, they could potentially trigger the leak. However, remote exploitation is unlikely without additional vulnerabilities. Overall, the impact is moderate but important for maintaining operational continuity in Linux-dependent environments.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49482, European organizations should: 1) Apply the official Linux kernel patches that fix the reference count leak in the mxs-saif driver as soon as they become available. This is the most direct and effective mitigation. 2) Identify and inventory systems running affected Linux kernel versions, especially those using the mxs-saif ASoC driver, common in certain embedded or industrial devices. 3) For embedded devices or systems where kernel upgrades are challenging, consider vendor-provided firmware updates or workarounds that address the issue. 4) Implement monitoring for unusual kernel memory usage or instability symptoms that could indicate resource leaks. 5) Limit local access to trusted users and enforce strict access controls to reduce the risk of exploitation by unauthorized actors. 6) Maintain up-to-date system backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential denial of service scenarios. 7) Engage with Linux distribution vendors and embedded system manufacturers to ensure timely patch deployment and support.