CVE-2023-0266KEV · OVERDUECWE-416

Use after free in SNDRV_CTL_IOCTL_ELEM in Linux Kernel

High · published January 30, 2023

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it high at 7.9. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 89.6th percentile for exploit probability.

1283
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
7.9
EPSS
4%
Percentile
89.6
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 A mismanaged memory hazard lies in the ALSA PCM package of the Linux Kernel! This use-after-free vulnerability could let attackers escalate privileges right to ring0 access — talk about an alarming security gap! 🔥 Think of it like a waiter who keeps serving an empty plate after it’s been cleared, not checking if it’s still on the table — a missed lock that allows someone to use it again after it’s been freed. That’s the kind of oversight that can lead to accessing the kitchen's secrets! An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges, allowing them to execute arbitrary code at the highest level of the operating system. This could mean complete control over the system, leading to potentially devastating consequences, like data breaches or system compromise.

Put simply

Think of it like a waiter who keeps serving an empty plate after it’s been cleared, not checking if it’s still on the table — a missed lock that allows someone to use it again after it’s been freed. That’s the kind of oversight that can lead to accessing the kitchen's secrets! The issue arises from missing locks in the SNDRV_CTL_IOCTL_ELEM_{READ|WRITE}32 calls in the ALSA PCM package, allowing for a use-after-free scenario. This flaw enables an attacker at the system user level to exploit the vulnerability and gain elevated privileges.

What to do

An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges, allowing them to execute arbitrary code at the highest level of the operating system. This could mean complete control over the system, leading to potentially devastating consequences, like data breaches or system compromise. To mitigate this risk, upgrade to a version beyond commit 56b88b50565cd8b946a2d00b0c83927b7ebb055e immediately. Ensure all systems are patched and run regular security audits to check for similar vulnerabilities. Don't forget to review your system's access controls and permissions! You've got this! Properly patching this vulnerability will help safeguard your systems against sneaky attackers! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
7.9 · HIGH
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.03672 · 89.6th percentile
Weakness
CWE-416 · Use After Free
Published
2023-01-30T13:09Z
KEV added
2023-03-30 · due 2023-04-20
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 30 MAR 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Apr 20
    kev
  • 30 JAN 13:09Z
    Use after free in SNDRV_CTL_IOCTL_ELEM in Linux Kernel
    cvelistv5