CVE-2023-53275: ALSA: hda: fix a possible null-pointer dereference due to data race in snd_hdac_regmap_sync()
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ALSA: hda: fix a possible null-pointer dereference due to data race in snd_hdac_regmap_sync()
The variable codec->regmap is often protected by the lock
codec->regmap_lock when is accessed. However, it is accessed without
holding the lock when is accessed in snd_hdac_regmap_sync():
if (codec->regmap)
In my opinion, this may be a harmful race, because if codec->regmap is
set to NULL right after the condition is checked, a null-pointer
dereference can occur in the called function regcache_sync():
map->lock(map->lock_arg); --> Line 360 in drivers/base/regmap/regcache.c
To fix this possible null-pointer dereference caused by data race, the
mutex_lock coverage is extended to protect the if statement as well as the
function call to regcache_sync().
[ Note: the lack of the regmap_lock itself is harmless for the current
codec driver implementations, as snd_hdac_regmap_sync() is only for
PM runtime resume that is prohibited during the codec probe.
But the change makes the whole code more consistent, so it's merged
as is -- tiwai ]
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue can let a local, low-privileged user trigger a crash in the ALSA HDA audio path. The business impact is availability, not data theft or privilege escalation based on the supplied CVSS. It is not listed as known exploited in the provided KEV field.
Executive priority
Treat as a routine but real availability risk. Prioritize patching on multi-user Linux systems and operational hosts where a local crash would disrupt service.
Technical view
The flaw is a possible NULL pointer dereference in snd_hdac_regmap_sync(). codec->regmap was checked without holding codec->regmap_lock, creating a race before regcache_sync() uses the pointer. The kernel fix extends mutex coverage around both the check and sync call.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant to Linux systems running the affected kernel versions or commits listed in the CVE record, especially where ALSA HDA code is present. The source bundle does not provide distribution-specific package names or appliance mappings.
Exploitation context
The CVSS vector is local, low complexity, low privilege, and no user interaction, with high availability impact only. The supplied KEV value is false, and no cited source in the bundle claims active exploitation.
Researcher notes
The record describes a race-protection correctness fix and notes current codec drivers may make the missing lock harmless during probe. Evidence supports a possible NULL dereference, not confirmed broad exploitability.
Mitigation direction
Update to a vendor kernel containing the referenced stable fixes.
Check Linux distribution advisories for the patched kernel package mapping.
Prioritize shared systems where untrusted users have local access.
If patching is delayed, reduce unnecessary local user access.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across affected fleets.
Compare deployed kernels against vendor advisories and the CVE affected ranges.
Confirm patched kernels include one of the referenced stable commits.
Track whether systems expose local access to untrusted users.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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cwe · low confidence lookup
CWE-476: Exact CWE lookup
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CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
CWE-476 · source CWE mapping
NULL Pointer Dereference
NULL Pointer Dereference represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.