In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: usb-audio: Fix potential out-of-bound accesses for Extigy and Mbox devices. A bogus device can provide a bNumConfigurations value that exceeds the initial value used in usb_get_configuration for allocating dev->config. This can lead to out-of-bounds accesses later, e.g., in usb_destroy_configuration.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8, indicating a high severity level. This matters because such vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to cause significant harm. The potential for out-of-bounds accesses may allow malicious actors to manipulate system memory, escalate privileges, or execute arbitrary code if they have physical access to the system.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Given the high CVSS score and the nature of the vulnerability, it poses a substantial risk to the integrity and availability of affected systems.
The vulnerability is classified as a local attack vector, meaning that an attacker must have physical access to exploit it. This increases the urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability in their patch cycle.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows potential out-of-bound accesses in the ALSA USB-audio driver affecting Extigy and Mbox devices. It has been published on December 27, 2024. The affected systems primarily include Debian Linux and associated Linux kernel versions.
The CVSS vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H, indicating that it has high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is related to improper validation of input from USB devices. Attackers may exploit this by connecting a malicious USB device that sends a misleading bNumConfigurations value, leading to potential out-of-bounds memory access.
This vulnerability requires low privileges to exploit and does not require user interaction, making it easier to exploit for attackers with local access. The attack complexity is low, meaning that minimal effort is needed to successfully exploit the vulnerability.
The impacts of this vulnerability are significant, potentially leading to high risks in confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges or disrupt system operations.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and system instability. The vulnerability affects widely used components in the Linux ecosystem, which increases its significance.
The blast radius of this vulnerability could be extensive, particularly in environments where physical access is possible. Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts.
Given the vulnerability's inclusion in the KEV catalog, organizations are strongly urged to apply the necessary patches. Organizations may face compliance challenges if they do not address this vulnerability promptly.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects the following versions: Linux kernel versions from 2.6.12 to 4.19.325, as well as Debian Linux version 11.0.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Debian and Linux to remediate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing workarounds or hardening configurations to mitigate the risk.
Monitoring for unusual behavior and conducting regular security assessments can help identify potential exploit attempts. For more information on security assessments, organizations may refer to continuous penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts related to USB audio devices. Detecting anomalies in system memory access patterns may also indicate potential exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability underscores the critical need for organizations to maintain up-to-date systems and conduct regular vulnerability assessments. The Linux kernel's prevalence in various environments makes this an important issue for security teams.
For insights on enhancing security posture, organizations can explore vulnerability management programs and best practices.
Additionally, organizations are encouraged to review their incident response strategies and ensure they are equipped to handle potential exploits of this nature.
The long-term implications of this vulnerability may lead to increased scrutiny on the security of widely-used open-source components. For further reading on security trends, organizations may find the following resources useful: 2025 vulnerability exposure trends and 2026 ransomware targeting trends to stay informed on evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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