CVE-2024-50011 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ASoC: Intel: soc-acpi-intel-rpl-match: add missing empty item
There is no links_num in struct snd_soc_acpi_mach {}, and we test
!link->num_adr as a condition to end the loop in hda_sdw_machine_select(). So an empty item in struct snd_soc_acpi_link_adr array is required.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2026
The vulnerability CVE-2024-50011 resides within the Linux kernel's sound subsystem, specifically affecting the Intel Audio Subsystem for Chrome (ASoC) framework. This issue impacts the soc-acpi-intel-rpl-match component which handles audio machine driver matching for Intel platforms. The flaw manifests in the hda_sdw_machine_select() function where the code attempts to iterate through a linked list of audio device addresses using a condition that checks for the absence of address entries. The root cause stems from a missing empty item in the snd_soc_acpi_link_adr array structure, which directly affects how the system determines the end of valid device address entries during machine selection processes. This represents a classic buffer or array boundary condition error that could lead to unpredictable behavior when processing audio device configurations.
The technical implementation flaw occurs in the hardware abstraction layer where the code assumes a specific structure layout for audio device address entries. When the snd_soc_acpi_mach structure lacks proper initialization of the links_num field and relies on a null address check to terminate iteration, the absence of an explicitly defined empty item in the link_adr array creates a condition where the loop may continue past valid entries or fail to properly terminate. This condition directly violates the expected data structure integrity required for proper device enumeration and driver matching. The vulnerability essentially creates a race condition or boundary checking issue where the system cannot reliably determine when to stop processing audio device addresses, potentially leading to memory access violations or incorrect device configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple audio subsystem components within the Linux kernel's sound architecture, particularly affecting systems using Intel platform audio hardware. When exploited, this condition could cause audio subsystem instability, device enumeration failures, or incorrect driver loading behaviors during system boot or runtime audio configuration changes. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on the snd_soc_acpi_link_adr array for proper hardware device identification and configuration, potentially leading to complete audio functionality loss or system crashes during audio device initialization. This issue particularly impacts devices using the Intel Raptor Lake platform where the soc-acpi-intel-rpl-match driver is actively utilized for audio hardware management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50011 should focus on ensuring proper initialization of audio device address structures within the snd_soc_acpi_link_adr array. System administrators should apply the latest kernel updates that include the patched version of the soc-acpi-intel-rpl-match driver component. The fix requires adding the missing empty item to the array structure to properly terminate the loop conditions in hda_sdw_machine_select(). Security teams should monitor audio subsystem behavior on affected systems and implement additional logging to detect potential boundary condition violations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-170 Improper Null Termination, representing a classic buffer overflow condition in kernel space audio subsystems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1547 Device Drivers for potential exploitation through audio subsystem manipulation. Organizations should prioritize patching systems running affected kernel versions and implement monitoring for audio subsystem anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts.