CVE-2022-49491 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem for Rockchip platforms, related to the Video Output Processor (VOP) driver. The issue arises from a potential null pointer dereference in the function vop_bind(). The root cause is that the function resource_size() is called on a resource pointer that may be NULL if platform_get_resource() fails to retrieve the resource. This improper handling leads to a null pointer dereference, which can cause the kernel to crash or behave unpredictably. The fix involves reordering the calls so that resource_size() is only invoked after devm_ioremap_resource() has validated the resource pointer, preventing the null pointer dereference. This vulnerability affects specific versions of the Linux kernel containing the vulnerable commit 2048e3286f347db5667708e47448176b5329e8d8. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the flaw could be triggered by a local attacker or malicious code running on affected systems, potentially leading to denial of service (system crash) or kernel instability. The vulnerability does not appear to allow privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution directly, but the denial of service impact on critical systems could be significant, especially in embedded or industrial environments using Rockchip hardware with Linux kernels containing this flaw.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49491 primarily revolves around availability and system stability. Organizations using Linux systems on Rockchip platforms—commonly found in embedded devices, IoT equipment, and some industrial control systems—may experience unexpected kernel crashes or reboots if the vulnerability is triggered. This could disrupt critical services, manufacturing processes, or network infrastructure relying on these devices. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the denial of service could lead to operational downtime, loss of productivity, and potential safety risks in industrial or healthcare settings. Given the widespread use of Linux in European IT infrastructure, any embedded devices or specialized hardware running vulnerable kernels could be affected. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the presence of this flaw in kernel code means that attackers with local access or the ability to deploy malicious drivers or modules could exploit it. This is particularly relevant for organizations with less controlled device environments or those using third-party hardware with Rockchip SoCs.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49491, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory all Linux systems running on Rockchip hardware or using the affected kernel versions. 2) Apply the official Linux kernel patches that reorder the resource handling calls in the drm/rockchip vop driver to prevent null pointer dereference. If official patches are not yet available, consider backporting the fix from the Linux kernel source or upgrading to a kernel version where this vulnerability is resolved. 3) Restrict local access to systems running vulnerable kernels to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 4) Monitor system logs and kernel crash reports for signs of null pointer dereference or unexpected reboots related to the drm/rockchip driver. 5) For embedded or IoT devices where kernel updates are challenging, work with vendors to obtain firmware updates or consider device replacement if patching is not feasible. 6) Implement robust device control policies to prevent unauthorized loading of kernel modules or drivers that could trigger this vulnerability. 7) Incorporate this vulnerability into vulnerability management and patching workflows to ensure timely remediation.