ALSA: gus: fix null pointer dereference on pointer block

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

29/11/2021

Disclosed on

N/A

Severity

No i

Fix available

Unrated

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

GSD-2021-1002238: ALSA: gus: fix null pointer dereference on pointer block. Affects Kernel versions < 542fa721594a02d2aee0370a764d306ef48d030c. 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 device drivers. It enables audio and MIDI functionality on Linux-based systems. The gus module in ALSA is responsible for supporting the Gravis Ultrasound sound card.

The vulnerability in the gus module involves a null pointer dereference on the pointer block. This means that a null pointer is accessed, leading to a system crash or potential privilege escalation. The vulnerability has been identified and fixed in the Linux Kernel version v4.14.256.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the gus module of ALSA is caused by a null pointer dereference on the pointer block. When certain conditions are met, a null pointer is accessed, resulting in a system crash or potential privilege escalation. This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with local access to the system.

The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the specific system configuration and the privileges of the attacker. In some cases, it may lead to a denial of service (system crash) or allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

The vulnerability has been fixed in the Linux Kernel version v4.14.256 by commit 542fa721594a02d2aee0370a764d306ef48d030c.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Conclusion

The ALSA gus module vulnerability involving a null pointer dereference on the pointer block has been identified and fixed in the Linux Kernel version v4.14.256. To ensure the security of your system, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to the latest version. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.

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