CVE-2022-49628 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically related to the stmmac network driver. The issue involves memory leaks occurring in the probe function of the stmmac driver. The probe function is responsible for initializing the network device when the driver is loaded or the hardware is detected. In this vulnerability, two error paths within the probe function fail to properly clean up allocated resources before returning, leading to memory leaks. While the description does not indicate direct exploitation vectors such as remote code execution or privilege escalation, memory leaks can degrade system stability and performance over time, potentially leading to denial of service conditions if the leaks are significant and persistent. The vulnerability has been addressed by ensuring proper cleanup in these error paths, preventing resource leakage. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The affected versions are identified by specific commit hashes, indicating this is a recent fix in the Linux kernel source code. The stmmac driver is commonly used for Ethernet MAC controllers in embedded systems and some Linux distributions, making this relevant for systems relying on this driver for network connectivity.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49628 is primarily related to system reliability and availability rather than direct compromise of confidentiality or integrity. Organizations running Linux systems with the stmmac driver—particularly embedded devices, industrial control systems, or network appliances—may experience gradual resource depletion leading to degraded network performance or system crashes if the vulnerability is exploited or triggered repeatedly. This could affect critical infrastructure sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and transportation that rely on embedded Linux devices. Although no active exploitation is known, unpatched systems remain at risk of stability issues, which could disrupt business operations or service availability. The impact is more pronounced in environments where devices run continuously without frequent reboots or maintenance, as memory leaks accumulate over time. Confidentiality and integrity risks are minimal based on current information, but availability concerns warrant attention.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49628, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the latest patched version that includes the fix for the stmmac driver probe function. This involves applying kernel updates provided by their Linux distribution vendors or compiling the kernel from source with the relevant patch if using custom kernels. Additionally, organizations should audit their device inventory to identify systems using the stmmac driver, especially embedded and industrial devices, and verify their kernel versions. For devices that cannot be updated immediately, monitoring system memory usage and network driver logs can help detect abnormal resource consumption indicative of the leak. Implementing automated reboot schedules for embedded devices as a temporary mitigation can reduce the risk of prolonged resource exhaustion. Network segmentation and limiting exposure of vulnerable devices to untrusted networks can further reduce potential attack surface. Finally, maintaining an up-to-date asset management and patching process will help ensure timely remediation of such vulnerabilities in the future.