CVE-2024-53150: ALSA: usb-audio: Fix out of bounds reads when finding clock sources
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ALSA: usb-audio: Fix out of bounds reads when finding clock sources
The current USB-audio driver code doesn't check bLength of each
descriptor at traversing for clock descriptors. That is, when a
device provides a bogus descriptor with a shorter bLength, the driver
might hit out-of-bounds reads.
For addressing it, this patch adds sanity checks to the validator
functions for the clock descriptor traversal. When the descriptor
length is shorter than expected, it's skipped in the loop.
For the clock source and clock multiplier descriptors, we can just
check bLength against the sizeof() of each descriptor type.
OTOH, the clock selector descriptor of UAC2 and UAC3 has an array
of bNrInPins elements and two more fields at its tail, hence those
have to be checked in addition to the sizeof() check.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2024-53150 is a Linux kernel USB-audio bug. A malformed USB audio descriptor can make the driver read past expected memory while finding clock sources. The listed CVSS score is high, and CISA KEV inclusion means known exploitation is recognized, but the bundle does not describe real-world attack details.
Executive priority
Treat this as a high-priority kernel patching item because it is KEV-listed and affects a low-level Linux driver. Urgency is highest for endpoints or shared systems where untrusted USB devices may be connected. The bundle does not support claims of remote exploitation.
Technical view
The ALSA usb-audio driver failed to validate descriptor bLength values during clock descriptor traversal. Short clock source, multiplier, or selector descriptors could trigger out-of-bounds reads. The fix adds sanity checks and skips descriptors shorter than expected. The issue is classified as CWE-125 with CVSS 3.1 score 7.1.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most relevant to Linux systems running affected kernel builds with USB audio support, especially where untrusted or attacker-controlled USB audio devices can be introduced. Distribution kernels may differ, so asset validation should use vendor kernel package advisories and the linked stable fixes.
Exploitation context
CISA KEV is cited for this CVE, so known exploitation should be treated as supported. The provided sources do not explain exploitation method, campaign activity, affected sectors, or whether exploitation requires physical USB access versus another local device path.
Researcher notes
Focus validation on descriptor-length handling in ALSA usb-audio clock descriptor traversal. The affected area is parsing of UAC clock source, multiplier, and selector descriptors. Avoid assuming broader kernel memory corruption beyond the documented out-of-bounds read without additional evidence.
Mitigation direction
Apply vendor kernel updates that include the linked stable usb-audio fixes.
Prioritize CISA KEV-tracked systems and internet-managed enterprise endpoints.
Check Debian and other distribution advisories for fixed kernel package versions.
Restrict untrusted USB audio devices where immediate patching is not possible.
Reboot systems after kernel update so the fixed kernel is active.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernel versions across servers, workstations, and appliances.
Confirm whether ALSA usb-audio support is present or loadable.
Compare running kernels against distribution advisories and stable fix references.
Verify patched systems are booted into the updated kernel.
Review endpoint logs for unusual USB audio device activity where available.
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
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
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cwe · low confidence lookup
CWE-125: 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-125 · source CWE mapping
Out-of-bounds Read
Out-of-bounds Read represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.