CVE-2024-42238

What it actually does

The flaw allows malformed firmware block headers in cs_dsp firmware loading paths to continue processing without error when header length exceeds remaining file data, enabling potential buffer over-read or out-of-bounds access during cs_dsp_load and cs_dsp_load_coeff operations.

Why it matters to the business

Local users or compromised processes can trigger kernel-level availability issues on affected Linux systems, leading to service disruptions on devices relying on Cirrus Logic DSP firmware; widespread kernel presence increases exposure across servers and embedded systems with moderate urgency for patching.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local access supplies a crafted firmware file containing an oversized block header to cs_dsp_power_up paths; the missing error check allows continued iteration past file bounds, potentially causing crashes or resource misuse during firmware initialization.

How to fix it

Update to fixed kernel versions containing commit b8be70566b33abbd0180105070b4c67cfef8c44f or later stable equivalents; for adcli packages on AlmaLinux 8 upgrade to 0.8.2-12.el8 or newer; rebuild and redeploy affected firmware loading components after applying the patch.

How to confirm the fix worked

Verify kernel source contains the error return in cs_dsp_power_up for oversized headers; test with intentionally malformed firmware files to confirm rejection with error instead of silent continuation; confirm package versions match listed fixed releases via package manager.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local access or compromise a user process on the target system
2. Prepare a malformed firmware binary with block header exceeding file data length
3. Trigger cs_dsp firmware load via device initialization or power-up sequence
4. Exploit continued processing without error to induce kernel instability or DoS

How to detect it

Review kernel logs for unexpected cs_dsp load failures or firmware parsing errors around device initialization; search system logs for repeated calls to cs_dsp_load without corresponding error returns on malformed inputs; correlate with local user activity preceding crashes.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel updates on systems using Cirrus DSP firmware within 30 days given local attack vector
• Audit custom firmware loading scripts and disable unnecessary cs_dsp usage where possible
• Monitor for local privilege escalation attempts that could chain with this availability issue
• Apply updates to adcli packages on AlmaLinux 8 environments immediately