Welcome to our in-depth look at a recently disclosed Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures item, CVE-2024-41037, a medium severity vulnerability affecting the Linux kernel. This article is designed to help our clients and the broader Linux user community understand the nature of the vulnerability, its impact, and the steps for mitigation.
CVE-2024-41037 is a specific flaw within the Linux kernel's sound subsystem, particularly affecting the Sound Open Firmware (SOF) on Intel platforms using High Definition Audio (HDA) DMA for managing link DMA. It has a severity rating of 5.5 out of 10, which classifies it as a medium threat. The vulnerability arises when the system enters the suspend mode with an active stream.
In instances where the system attempts to suspend with an active audio stream, the SOF core is designed to invoke hw_params_upon_resume(). The function sequence includes:
hda_dsp_set_hw_params_upon_resume()hda_dsp_dais_suspend()hda_dai_suspend()hda_ipc4_post_trigger()The vulnerability occurs in the function hda_dai_suspend(). Initially, the hda_link_dma_cleanup() function is executed, which clears the hext_stream->link_substream. Subsequently, the hda_ipc4_post_trigger() is erroneously called with a NULL snd_pcm_substream pointer. This null dereference can potentially lead to system instability or an unexpected behavior during the suspend phase.
The primary risk associated with this CVE is the potential for system instability or crashes during the suspend operation if an active audio stream is not correctly managed. This can lead to data loss or denial of service in environments where system reliability and uptime are critical, such as in server scenarios or for users who rely on their Linux systems for real-time applications.
This CVE specifically impacts systems running the Linux kernel with certain Intel SOF and HDA configurations. It affects all versions prior to the patch release, and users on these systems are advised to verify their kernel version and apply updates if necessary. The Linux kernel is the core of many computing systems, from personal laptops to large data centers, making the scope of impact potentially wide-reaching.
Prompt patching is highly recommended. The Linux kernel community has addressed the flaw in CVE-2024-41037 in a recent update. Users should ensure their systems are up to date with the latest kernel version that includes this patch. Additionally, system administrators and users should consider regular checks and updates as part of their routine system maintenance to avoid exposure from this and other vulnerabilities.
In summary, CVE-2024-41037 highlights the importance of careful system management and timely updates to mitigate risks associated with software vulnerabilities. By understanding the technical details, impacts, and necessary precautions, Linux users and administrators can ensure their systems are secure and functional, maintaining both efficiency and security.