ALSA: pcm: Check for null pointer of pointer substream before dereferencing it
Summary
GSD-2022-1003120: ALSA: pcm: Check for null pointer of pointer substream before dereferencing it. Affects Kernel versions >= d4cfb30fce03093ad944e0b44bd8f40bdad5330e, < 1f2e28857be1e5c7db39bbc221332215fc5467e3. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) is a software framework and part of the Linux kernel that provides an API for sound card drivers. It allows applications to communicate with sound devices and provides features such as audio playback, recording, and mixing. The PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) subsystem in ALSA handles digital audio data and is responsible for managing audio streams.
The vulnerability in the PCM subsystem arises from a failure to check for a null pointer of a pointer substream before dereferencing it. This can lead to a null pointer dereference, causing a system crash or potential privilege escalation if exploited by an attacker.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability occurs in the PCM subsystem of ALSA when a null pointer of a pointer substream is not properly checked before dereferencing it. This can result in a null pointer dereference, leading to a system crash or potential privilege escalation.
The vulnerability was introduced in version v5.6 of the Linux Kernel by commit d4cfb30fce03093ad944e0b44bd8f40bdad5330e and is fixed in version v5.17.14 by commit 1f2e28857be1e5c7db39bbc221332215fc5467e3.
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to have local access to the affected system and the ability to execute arbitrary code. The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the context in which the PCM subsystem is used, but it has the potential to cause system instability or allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability at this time.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the PCM subsystem of ALSA can lead to a null pointer dereference, causing a system crash or potential privilege escalation. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.17.14 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) is a software framework and part of the Linux kernel that provides an API for sound card drivers and handles audio data.
The PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) subsystem in ALSA is responsible for managing digital audio streams, including playback, recording, and mixing.
The vulnerability arises from a failure to properly check for a null pointer of a pointer substream before dereferencing it, leading to a null pointer dereference.
The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the context in which the PCM subsystem is used. It can result in a system crash or potential privilege escalation if exploited by an attacker.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.17.14 or later. Alternatively, wait for your Linux distribution to release an updated package that includes the fix.
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