CVE-2024-53045

What it actually does

Failure to initialize the num_widgets count before populating the widgets array in snd_soc_dapm_widget_list triggers bounds sanitizer violations during list creation in the ASoC DAPM subsystem, potentially resulting in kernel warnings or panics when CONFIG_UBSAN_TRAP is enabled.

Why it matters to the business

Unpatched systems may experience unexpected kernel panics or instability during audio device initialization and power management operations, leading to downtime and reduced reliability for audio-dependent workloads; the issue affects older Ubuntu packages with fixes available since late 2024 and low observed exploitation likelihood.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker with local access crafts audio configuration sequences that trigger dapm_widget_list_create without prior size initialization; the uninitialized count causes sanitizer checks to fail, potentially leading to denial of service via panic in environments with UBSAN_TRAP enabled, though no widespread campaigns by listed threat actors have been tied to this specific flaw.

How to fix it

Update affected packages to the listed fixed versions: chromium-browser on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to 47.0.2526.106-0ubuntu0.14.04.1.1107 and oxide-qt on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS to 1.11.4-0ubuntu0.14.04.1; apply kernel updates containing the dapm_widget_list_create initialization fix; rebuild and redeploy systems with the corrected code.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm package versions match the fixed releases via package manager queries; verify kernel configuration disables UBSAN_TRAP or test audio initialization paths in a controlled environment to ensure no sanitizer violations occur; review build logs for absence of bounds checker warnings.

Typical attack path

1. Obtain local access or ability to influence ALSA audio configuration
2. Trigger DAPM widget list creation path without prior num_widgets setup
3. Rely on bounds sanitizer activation to induce warning or panic
4. Achieve denial of service or system instability

How to detect it

Search kernel logs for UBSAN bounds check warnings or panics referencing dapm_widget_list_create or snd_soc_dapm_widget_list; examine audit and system logs for unexpected audio subsystem initialization failures around the time of process crashes.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching Ubuntu 14.04 LTS systems running the listed packages within standard maintenance windows given low EPSS and absence from KEV
• Monitor for any increase in EPSS trend or new threat actor activity targeting Linux kernel audio subsystems
• Audit kernel builds for UBSAN_TRAP usage and consider disabling in production if not required for security testing