CVE-2022-49819 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel, specifically within the octeon_ep driver component. The issue arises in the function octep_device_setup(), where error handling for unsupported devices and mailbox (mbox) initialization failures does not properly release allocated resources. Specifically, when unsupported_dev and mbox init errors occur, the code fails to free the memory allocated to oct->conf and does not unmap the I/O memory regions pointed to by oct->mmio[i].hw_addr. This results in a memory leak, where allocated kernel memory and I/O mappings are not released back to the system. Although this vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation, the memory leak can degrade system stability and performance over time, potentially leading to denial of service (DoS) conditions due to resource exhaustion. The fix involves adding calls to kfree() for oct->conf and iounmap() for oct->mmio[i].hw_addr in the error handling paths to ensure proper cleanup. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned. The vulnerability affects specific Linux kernel versions containing the octeon_ep driver with the faulty error handling code. This vulnerability is primarily a resource management flaw rather than a direct security compromise vector, but it can impact system reliability, especially in environments where the octeon_ep driver is in use and error conditions are triggered frequently.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49819 is mainly related to system stability and availability rather than direct confidentiality or integrity breaches. Organizations running Linux systems with the octeon_ep driver—commonly used in networking hardware based on Cavium Octeon processors—may experience memory leaks under certain error conditions, potentially leading to degraded performance or system crashes. This can affect critical infrastructure, data centers, and telecommunications equipment that rely on Linux-based networking devices. Over time, repeated memory leaks can cause resource exhaustion, resulting in denial of service and operational disruptions. While the vulnerability does not enable remote code execution or privilege escalation, the indirect impact on availability can be significant for service providers and enterprises with high uptime requirements. European organizations in sectors such as telecommunications, cloud services, and industrial control systems that deploy Linux on Octeon-based hardware should be particularly vigilant. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to stability issues.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49819, organizations should apply the official Linux kernel patches that address the memory leak in the octeon_ep driver error handling paths. Specifically, ensure that the kernel version in use includes the fix that adds kfree() and iounmap() calls during unsupported device and mailbox initialization failures. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, monitoring system logs for error messages related to octeon_ep device setup failures can help identify potential memory leak triggers. Additionally, implementing proactive resource monitoring to detect abnormal memory usage trends on affected systems can provide early warning of leaks. In network equipment using Octeon processors, firmware or driver updates from vendors should be applied promptly. Where possible, isolating or limiting the use of affected hardware until patched can reduce exposure. Regular kernel updates and adherence to vendor security advisories are critical. Finally, organizations should conduct thorough testing of patches in staging environments to ensure stability before production deployment.