Linux Kernel up to 5.15.32/5.16.18/5.17.1 of_parse_phandle reference count

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 5.15.32/5.16.18/5.17.1. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects the function of_parse_phandle. Executing a manipulation can lead to reference count. This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2022-49246. No exploit is available. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Linux Kernel up to 5.15.32/5.16.18/5.17.1. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects the function of_parse_phandle. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a reference count vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-911. The product uses a reference count to manage a resource, but it does not update or incorrectly updates the reference count. As an impact it is known to affect availability. CVE summarizes:

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ASoC: atmel: Fix error handling in snd_proto_probe The device_node pointer is returned by of_parse_phandle() with refcount incremented. We should use of_node_put() on it when done. This function only calls of_node_put() in the regular path. And it will cause refcount leak in error paths. Fix this by calling of_node_put() in error handling too.

The advisory is shared for download at git.kernel.org. This vulnerability was named CVE-2022-49246 since 02/26/2025. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.

The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 225794 (Linux Distros Unpatched Vulnerability : CVE-2022-49246), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment.

Upgrading to version 5.15.33, 5.16.19 or 5.17.2 eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch f32ac9bf5e3f594ef9bfedb410aebc98cf784e69/0f517480d5888cd54487c5662ce4da95b30ad798/8fa969cd8485031294f91fc7184399000cae6355/b0bfaf0544d08d093d6211d7ef8816fb0b5b6c75 is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at git.kernel.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at Tenable (225794) and CERT Bund (WID-SEC-2025-2107). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Affected

• Google Container-Optimized OS
• Debian Linux
• Amazon Linux 2
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• Ubuntu Linux
• SUSE Linux
• Oracle Linux
• SUSE openSUSE
• Open Source Linux Kernel
• RESF Rocky Linux
• Dell Secure Connect Gateway
• IBM QRadar SIEM
• Dell NetWorker

Productinfo

Type

• Operating System

Vendor

• Linux

Name

• Kernel

Version

• 5.15.0
• 5.15.1
• 5.15.2
• 5.15.3
• 5.15.4
• 5.15.5
• 5.15.6
• 5.15.7
• 5.15.8
• 5.15.9
• 5.15.10
• 5.15.11
• 5.15.12
• 5.15.13
• 5.15.14
• 5.15.15
• 5.15.16
• 5.15.17
• 5.15.18
• 5.15.19
• 5.15.20
• 5.15.21
• 5.15.22
• 5.15.23
• 5.15.24
• 5.15.25
• 5.15.26
• 5.15.27
• 5.15.28
• 5.15.29
• 5.15.30
• 5.15.31
• 5.15.32
• 5.16.0
• 5.16.1
• 5.16.2
• 5.16.3
• 5.16.4
• 5.16.5
• 5.16.6
• 5.16.7
• 5.16.8
• 5.16.9
• 5.16.10
• 5.16.11
• 5.16.12
• 5.16.13
• 5.16.14
• 5.16.15
• 5.16.16
• 5.16.17
• 5.16.18
• 5.17.0
• 5.17.1

License

• open-source

Website

• Vendor: https://www.kernel.org/

CPE 2.3info

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CPE 2.2info

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Entryinfo

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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