CVE-2024-50007

What it actually does

The ASIHPI ALSA driver in the Linux kernel trusts an array index returned from firmware without validation, allowing an out-of-bounds access into a static array when the firmware-supplied value exceeds the array size.

Why it matters to the business

Systems running affected kernel versions could experience crashes or allow a local user to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, leading to full system compromise on any machine using the ASIHPI sound driver.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local access supplies or manipulates firmware responses to the ASIHPI driver so that the returned index falls outside the expected static array bounds; the kernel then performs an unchecked read or write at that index, enabling memory corruption that can be turned into privilege escalation.

How to fix it

Update the Linux kernel to commit a6bdb691cf7b66dcd929de1a253c5c42edd2e522 or later; rebuild and reboot with the patched kernel. Where distribution backports are available, install the vendor-supplied kernel package containing the sanity check.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm the running kernel contains commit a6bdb691cf7b66dcd929de1a253c5c42edd2e522 by checking /proc/version or the package changelog; attempt to exercise the driver with deliberately invalid firmware responses and verify the index is now rejected.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local user access on a system using the ASIHPI driver
2. Trigger or emulate a firmware response containing an out-of-range array index
3. Cause the driver to perform an out-of-bounds array access
4. Leverage the resulting memory corruption for kernel code execution or denial of service

How to detect it

Review kernel logs for ASIHPI-related oops or warning messages mentioning array bounds; examine audit logs for unusual local processes interacting with /dev/snd or ALSA devices around the time of any crash; no public exploit artifacts are known.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize kernel updates on any systems exposing the ASIHPI driver
• Restrict local access to systems that cannot be immediately patched
• Monitor vendor advisories for distribution-specific backports
• Audit audio driver usage and disable ASIHPI where sound hardware is not required