CVE-2024-36955 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ALSA: hda: intel-sdw-acpi: fix usage of device_get_named_child_node()
The documentation for device_get_named_child_node() mentions this important point:
" The caller is responsible for calling fwnode_handle_put() on the returned fwnode pointer. "
Add fwnode_handle_put() to avoid a leaked reference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-36955 addresses a memory management issue within the Linux kernel's Advanced Linux Sound Architecture implementation, specifically affecting the hda intel-sdw-acpi driver component. This flaw exists in the kernel's handling of firmware node references during audio device enumeration processes. The issue manifests when the device_get_named_child_node() function is invoked within the sound driver's ACPI subsystem, which is responsible for managing Intel SoundWire audio interfaces in modern computing platforms. The vulnerability represents a classic case of resource leak that can accumulate over time and potentially lead to system instability or resource exhaustion.
The technical root cause stems from improper reference counting within the kernel's firmware node handling subsystem. When device_get_named_child_node() returns a firmware node pointer, the function documentation explicitly states that callers must invoke fwnode_handle_put() on the returned pointer to release the reference. The missing call to fwnode_handle_put() creates a dangling reference that prevents proper memory cleanup. This pattern violates fundamental kernel memory management principles and can lead to gradual resource depletion as the system continues to process audio device enumeration requests. The flaw aligns with CWE-404, which specifically addresses improper resource management and failure to release resources, and demonstrates a clear violation of the kernel's reference counting mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory leaks to potentially affect system stability and performance. In environments with frequent audio device enumeration or hot-plugging scenarios, the accumulated leaked references can cause memory fragmentation and eventually lead to system slowdowns or even kernel oops conditions. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels that incorporate the affected ALSA hda intel-sdw-acpi driver, particularly those utilizing Intel SoundWire audio interfaces. Attackers could potentially exploit this to cause denial of service conditions through resource exhaustion, though the direct attack surface remains limited to kernel-level memory management issues. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level and requires system-level privileges to trigger, making it more of a stability concern than an immediate security threat.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-36955 involve applying the official kernel patch that adds the missing fwnode_handle_put() call to properly release the firmware node reference. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to include this fix, particularly in production environments where audio device enumeration occurs frequently. The fix follows established kernel development practices for proper reference counting and resource management. Organizations should also implement monitoring for memory usage patterns that might indicate resource leak accumulation. Security teams should consider this vulnerability as part of broader kernel hardening efforts, ensuring that all kernel components properly follow the documented reference counting protocols. The patch addresses the issue through direct code modification, adding the necessary cleanup call without altering the overall driver functionality or introducing compatibility concerns. This remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1547.006 for kernel module manipulation and demonstrates proper adherence to kernel development standards for resource management.