CVE-2022-49570 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the gpio-xilinx driver component. The issue arises from an integer overflow caused by the use of an incorrect data type that limits the configuration capability to a maximum of 32 GPIO pins. The root cause is that the current implementation uses a data type that cannot represent values beyond 32 pins, leading to an integer overflow when attempting to configure more pins. The fix involves type casting the relevant variable to an unsigned long data type, which can accommodate a larger number of pins and thus prevents the overflow condition. This vulnerability is technical in nature and relates to the kernel's GPIO subsystem for Xilinx hardware platforms, which are commonly used in embedded systems and specialized computing environments. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and the vulnerability was published on February 26, 2025. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability has not yet been formally scored for severity, but the technical details suggest a specific hardware driver limitation rather than a broadly exploitable kernel flaw.

The impact of CVE-2022-49570 on European organizations depends largely on their use of Linux systems running on Xilinx hardware platforms that utilize the gpio-xilinx driver. Organizations in sectors such as telecommunications, industrial automation, and embedded systems development may be more affected, as these sectors often deploy Xilinx-based solutions. The integer overflow could potentially lead to incorrect GPIO pin configurations, which might cause hardware malfunctions, system instability, or denial of service conditions in embedded devices. While this does not directly imply remote code execution or privilege escalation, the disruption of hardware control could impact operational technology environments or critical infrastructure relying on precise GPIO configurations. For European organizations, especially those in manufacturing, energy, or transportation sectors using Linux on Xilinx platforms, this vulnerability could affect system reliability and availability, potentially leading to operational downtime or safety risks. However, the lack of known exploits and the specificity of the hardware driver reduce the likelihood of widespread impact.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49570, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for the gpio-xilinx driver. Specifically, ensure that the kernel version incorporates the change where the data type is cast to unsigned long to prevent integer overflow. Organizations should audit their systems to identify any Linux deployments running on Xilinx hardware and verify the kernel version in use. For embedded systems, firmware updates or kernel recompilation may be necessary. Additionally, thorough testing should be conducted post-update to confirm that GPIO pin configurations operate correctly beyond 32 pins. Where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should implement monitoring for hardware anomalies or failures related to GPIO operations and consider isolating affected devices to minimize operational impact. Engaging with hardware and software vendors for support and guidance on secure configurations is also recommended.