CVE-2024-38605
HighIn the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: core: Fix NULL module pointer assignment at card init The commit 81033c6b584b ("ALSA: core: Warn on empty module") introduced a WARN_ON() for a NULL module pointer passed at snd_card object creation, and it also wraps the code around it with '#ifdef MODULE'. This works in most cases, but the devils are always in details. "MODULE" is defined when the target code (i.e. the sound core) is built as a module; but this doesn't mean that the caller is also built-in or not. Namely, when only the sound core is built-in (CONFIG_SND=y) while the driver is a module (CONFIG_SND_USB_AUDIO=m), the passed module pointer is ignored even if it's non-NULL, and card->module remains as NULL. This would result in the missing module reference up/down at the device open/close, leading to a race with the code execution after the module removal. For addressing the bug, move the assignment of card->module again out of ifdef. The WARN_ON() is still wrapped with ifdef because the module can be really NULL when all sound drivers are built-in. Note that we keep 'ifdef MODULE' for WARN_ON(), otherwise it would lead to a false-positive NULL module check. Admittedly it won't catch perfectly, i.e. no check is performed when CONFIG_SND=y. But, it's no real problem as it's only for debugging, and the condition is pretty rare.
CVSS 3.1 score
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Weakness type
CWE-476CVE-2024-38605 is a NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerability
What is NULL Pointer Dereference?
The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL, typically causing a crash. Learn more on MITRE CWE
References
The following references provide additional information about CVE-2024-38605 including vendor advisories, patch commits, exploit details, and third-party analysis. Links are sourced from the NIST NVD database.
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/39381fe7394e5eafac76e7e9367e7351138a29c1
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/6b8374ee2cabcf034faa34e69a855dc496a9ec12
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PatchKernel patch commithttps://git.kernel.org/stable/c/c935e72139e6d523defd60fe875c01eb1f9ea5c5
Frequently asked questions
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What is CVE-2024-38605?
CVE-2024-38605 is a High severity Linux kernel vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.8 out of 10 , classified as a NULL Pointer Dereference flaw (CWE-476) . CVE-2024-38605 has not been confirmed as actively exploited and is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
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What is the CVSS score for CVE-2024-38605?
CVE-2024-38605 has a CVSS score of 8.8 out of 10, rated High severity (CVSS 3.1). The vector string is
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. -
Is there a patch available for CVE-2024-38605?
No patch is currently available for CVE-2024-38605. Monitor the NIST NVD and your Linux distribution's security advisories for updates.
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Is CVE-2024-38605 actively exploited?
No — CVE-2024-38605 has not been confirmed as actively exploited. It is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.
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What is NULL Pointer Dereference (CWE-476)?
The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL, typically causing a crash. View CWE-476 on MITRE CWE →