ALSA: jack: Access input_dev under mutex
Summary
GSD-2022-1003404: ALSA: jack: Access input_dev under mutex. Affects Kernel versions < 5cc6f623f4818c7d7e9e966a45ebf324901ca9c5. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) is a software framework and part of the Linux kernel that provides an API for sound card device drivers. It allows multiple programs to share access to the audio hardware. The 'jack' component in ALSA is responsible for handling audio input and output. It manages the connection between audio applications and the sound card. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the 'jack' component that allows unauthorized access to the 'input_dev' structure while holding a mutex. This vulnerability could potentially lead to privilege escalation or unauthorized control of the audio input device.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in ALSA's 'jack' component arises from accessing the 'input_dev' structure while holding a mutex. This can result in race conditions and potential security issues. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the audio input device, potentially compromising user privacy or executing arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet, but it is essential to address it to ensure the security of the system.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
As a workaround, users can disable the 'jack' component in ALSA if it is not required for their system. This can be done by modifying the ALSA configuration file (/etc/modprobe.d/alsa-base.conf) and commenting out or removing the line that loads the 'snd-seq' module. After making the changes, the system should be restarted for the changes to take effect. However, disabling the 'jack' component may impact the functionality of certain audio applications that rely on it.
Conclusion
The ALSA 'jack' component vulnerability allows unauthorized access to the 'input_dev' structure, potentially leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized control of the audio input device. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.15.46 or later to fix this vulnerability. Users can also disable the 'jack' component as a temporary workaround. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) is a software framework and part of the Linux kernel that provides an API for sound card device drivers.
The 'jack' component in ALSA is responsible for handling audio input and output. It manages the connection between audio applications and the sound card.
The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to the 'input_dev' structure while holding a mutex. This could lead to privilege escalation or unauthorized control of the audio input device.
The actual impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. However, it is important to address it to ensure the security of the system.
The vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.15.46. Users should update their Linux Kernel to version v5.15.46 or later.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
