ALSA: pcm: oss: Limit the period size to 16MB

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

19/12/2021

Disclosed on

N/A

Severity

No i

Fix available

Unrated

Severity

Not published

CVSS Score

GSD-2021-1002429: ALSA: pcm: oss: Limit the period size to 16MB. Affects Kernel versions < 2e54cf6794bf82a54aaefc78da13819aea9cd28a. 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 sound card functionality, including recording and playback. The PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) subsystem within ALSA handles digital audio data. The OSS (Open Sound System) is a deprecated audio interface for Unix-like operating systems, including Linux. It provides a standardized API for audio devices. This vulnerability specifically affects the PCM OSS module in ALSA, which allows for compatibility with applications using the OSS interface.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the ALSA PCM OSS module allows for an excessively large period size, which can lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. By specifying a period size greater than 16MB, an attacker can cause the system to consume excessive memory resources, potentially leading to system instability or crashes. This vulnerability has been addressed in the Linux Kernel version v4.19.221 by commit 2e54cf6794bf82a54aaefc78da13819aea9cd28a.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The ALSA PCM OSS module vulnerability, which allows for an excessively large period size, has been addressed in the Linux Kernel version v4.19.221. It is recommended to update the kernel to mitigate the risk of a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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