CVE-2024-50007 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ALSA: asihpi: Fix potential OOB array access
ASIHPI driver stores some values in the static array upon a response from the driver, and its index depends on the firmware. We shouldn't trust it blindly.
This patch adds a sanity check of the array index to fit in the array size.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50007 represents a critical out-of-bounds array access flaw within the Linux kernel's Advanced Linux Sound Architecture ALSA subsystem, specifically affecting the ASIHPI (Audio Science HPI) driver component. This issue resides in the kernel's sound subsystem which is responsible for managing audio hardware interfaces and device communication protocols. The ASIHPI driver serves as an interface for Audio Science hardware devices, facilitating communication between the operating system and specialized audio processing hardware through proprietary firmware protocols. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the driver's response handling logic, where the system blindly accepts array indices provided by firmware without proper bounds checking.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the ASIHPI driver receives responses from connected audio hardware devices that contain index values used to access static arrays within kernel memory. These arrays store configuration parameters, device states, or operational data that the driver needs to process. The vulnerability manifests because the driver does not validate whether the firmware-provided index values fall within the legitimate array boundaries before attempting array access operations. This creates a potential path for attackers to manipulate firmware responses and trigger out-of-bounds memory access patterns that could lead to memory corruption, privilege escalation, or system instability. The flaw directly maps to CWE-129 Input Validation and Bounds Check, specifically addressing inadequate validation of array indices against array dimensions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be leveraged for privilege escalation through kernel memory corruption techniques under the T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it represents a potential pathway for adversaries to gain elevated system privileges within the kernel space. When an attacker can manipulate firmware responses to provide invalid array indices, they may be able to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting kernel data structures or executing arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the ASIHPI driver interfaces with specialized audio hardware that may be present in enterprise environments, servers, or embedded systems where audio processing capabilities are required. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels that include the ALSA subsystem with ASIHPI driver support, potentially impacting a wide range of devices including professional audio equipment, server hardware with audio capabilities, and embedded systems with audio interfaces. The flaw's exploitation requires an attacker to have access to the target system's audio hardware interface or to be able to influence firmware communication paths, making it a moderately accessible vulnerability in environments where audio hardware is actively utilized.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50007 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the kernel driver code. The patch resolution addresses this by introducing sanity checks that verify array indices against predefined array dimensions before any memory access operations occur. System administrators should prioritize applying the kernel updates that include the patched ASIHPI driver code, particularly in environments where audio hardware is actively utilized and where kernel-level privilege escalation represents a significant concern. Additional defensive measures include implementing kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, kernel address space layout randomization, and runtime memory protection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring for unusual audio device behavior or firmware communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in kernel drivers and emphasizes that firmware interfaces, even when considered trusted, should be validated before use. Regular kernel updates and security audits of kernel subsystems, particularly those handling hardware interfaces, are essential for maintaining system security posture against similar vulnerabilities. The fix demonstrates the critical nature of defensive programming practices in kernel space where input validation directly impacts system stability and security.