CVE-2024-49862 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's powercap subsystem, specifically within the intel_rapl driver component. The issue is an off-by-one error in the get_rpi() function, which handles access to the rp->priv->rpi array. This array is intended to hold NR_RAPL_PRIMITIVES elements, representing power-related primitives for Intel's Running Average Power Limit (RAPL) interface. The vulnerability arises because the code uses a '>' comparison instead of '>=' when checking array bounds, allowing an out-of-bounds access by one element. Such off-by-one errors can lead to reading or writing memory beyond the intended array limits, potentially causing undefined behavior, memory corruption, or information leakage. Although the exact exploitability details are not provided and no known exploits are reported in the wild, the flaw could be leveraged by a local attacker or malicious process with access to the affected kernel interface to cause system instability or escalate privileges. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel versions identified by the commit hash 98ff639a7289067247b3ef9dd5d1e922361e7365, and it has been officially published and acknowledged by the Linux project. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, but the issue is recognized as a security concern due to its potential impact on kernel integrity and system stability.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-49862 depends largely on the deployment of Linux systems utilizing the affected kernel versions and the intel_rapl powercap driver. Many enterprises, research institutions, and cloud providers in Europe rely heavily on Linux-based infrastructure, including servers and embedded systems that may use Intel processors supporting RAPL. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to local privilege escalation or denial of service through kernel memory corruption, potentially disrupting critical services or exposing sensitive data. This is particularly relevant for sectors with high reliance on Linux servers such as finance, telecommunications, manufacturing, and public administration. Additionally, organizations running high-performance computing clusters or energy management systems that utilize RAPL interfaces for power monitoring could be at risk. While remote exploitation is unlikely without prior access, the vulnerability could be exploited by insiders or attackers who have gained limited access to systems, thereby increasing the risk profile. The absence of known exploits suggests a lower immediate threat, but the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to prevent future exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-49862, European organizations should prioritize updating their Linux kernel to the patched versions that correct the off-by-one error in the intel_rapl driver. Kernel updates should be tested and deployed promptly, especially on systems with Intel processors where RAPL is enabled. Organizations should audit their systems to identify affected kernel versions and verify if the powercap subsystem and intel_rapl driver are in use. Where kernel updates are not immediately feasible, disabling the intel_rapl driver or the powercap subsystem can serve as a temporary workaround to reduce attack surface, though this may impact power management features. Additionally, implementing strict access controls to limit which users and processes can interact with kernel interfaces related to power management can reduce exploitation risk. Monitoring system logs for unusual behavior or crashes related to powercap or kernel memory access may help detect attempted exploitation. Finally, organizations should maintain robust endpoint security and intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to any suspicious activity that could leverage this vulnerability.