CVE-2022-49924 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's NFC (Near Field Communication) subsystem, specifically within the FDP (FeliCa Device Protocol) implementation. The issue arises in the function fdp_nci_send(), which calls fdp_nci_i2c_write() to perform I2C communication. The vulnerability is due to a failure to free the socket buffer (skb) after fdp_nci_i2c_write() completes, leading to a potential memory leak. Memory leaks occur when allocated memory is not properly released back to the system, which over time can exhaust system memory resources. In this case, the skb structure, which holds network packet data, remains allocated unnecessarily. The root cause is that fdp_nci_i2c_write() does not free the skb, and fdp_nci_send() also neglects to free it after the call returns. This flaw has been addressed by ensuring that fdp_nci_send() frees the skb after fdp_nci_i2c_write() finishes. While this vulnerability does not directly allow code execution or privilege escalation, the memory leak can degrade system performance or cause denial of service (DoS) conditions if exploited over time, especially on systems heavily using NFC features. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned. The affected versions correspond to specific Linux kernel commits prior to the fix. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper resource management in kernel subsystems handling hardware communication.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-49924 depends largely on their use of Linux systems with NFC capabilities enabled, particularly those using the FDP protocol over I2C. Organizations deploying Linux in embedded systems, IoT devices, or mobile devices that rely on NFC for contactless communication could experience gradual degradation of system stability due to memory leaks. Over extended periods, this could lead to system slowdowns, crashes, or denial of service, impacting operational continuity. Critical infrastructure or industrial control systems using Linux with NFC might be vulnerable to such disruptions. However, since exploitation requires triggering the NFC communication path repeatedly to cause significant memory exhaustion, the risk is somewhat limited to environments where NFC is actively used. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat levels, but the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to prevent potential future abuse. European organizations with strict uptime and reliability requirements, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and transportation systems, should be particularly cautious. Additionally, organizations involved in manufacturing or deploying NFC-enabled Linux devices should ensure their products are patched to avoid customer impact and reputational damage.

To mitigate CVE-2022-49924, organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel updates that include the patch fixing the memory leak in the fdp_nci_send() function. This is the most effective and direct mitigation. 2) Audit and monitor systems with NFC enabled for unusual memory usage patterns or system instability that could indicate memory leaks. 3) Limit or disable NFC functionality on Linux systems where it is not required, reducing the attack surface. 4) For embedded or IoT devices, ensure firmware updates include the patched kernel version and establish secure update mechanisms to deploy fixes promptly. 5) Implement resource monitoring and automated alerts to detect abnormal memory consumption trends that could signal exploitation attempts. 6) Conduct security testing focusing on NFC subsystems to identify any related vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on NFC-specific controls and proactive monitoring tailored to this vulnerability's characteristics.