CVE-2022-49627 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's Integrity Measurement Architecture (IMA) subsystem. The issue arises in the ima_init_crypto() function, which is responsible for initializing cryptographic algorithms used by IMA. Specifically, when the function fails to allocate the SHA1 transform (tfm), the initialization process exits prematurely without freeing the previously allocated ima_algo_array. This omission leads to a potential memory leak within the kernel. While the vulnerability does not directly allow for code execution or privilege escalation, the memory leak can degrade system stability over time, especially on systems with frequent IMA initialization attempts or constrained memory environments. The flaw is rooted in improper error handling and resource management in kernel code. The fix involves adding the missing kfree() call to properly release the ima_algo_array memory on failure, preventing the leak. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and the vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 6d94809af6b0830c4dfcad661535a5939bcb8a7d. Since the CVSS score is not provided, the severity assessment is based on the potential impact on system availability and resource consumption rather than direct compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49627 is primarily related to system stability and availability. Organizations running Linux-based infrastructure, especially those utilizing IMA for integrity verification, could experience gradual memory exhaustion leading to degraded performance or kernel crashes if the vulnerability is triggered repeatedly. This is particularly relevant for critical systems in sectors such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and government, where uptime and data integrity are paramount. While the vulnerability does not expose confidential data or allow unauthorized access, the potential for denial-of-service conditions through resource depletion could disrupt services. Systems with limited memory resources or those under heavy load are at higher risk. Given the widespread use of Linux in European data centers, cloud environments, and embedded systems, unpatched kernels could pose operational risks, especially in environments where kernel integrity checks are integral to security policies.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49627, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernels to versions that include the patch fixing the memory leak in ima_init_crypto(). Kernel updates should be tested and deployed promptly in production environments. Additionally, organizations should monitor system logs and kernel memory usage for unusual patterns that might indicate repeated IMA initialization failures. Implementing proactive memory monitoring and alerting can help detect early signs of resource exhaustion. For environments where kernel updates are delayed, consider disabling IMA temporarily if feasible and if it does not violate security requirements, to prevent triggering the vulnerable code path. Security teams should also review their incident response plans to include scenarios involving kernel resource leaks and potential denial-of-service conditions. Finally, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of Linux kernel versions across all assets will facilitate targeted patch management.