CVE-2025-38307 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2025
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ASoC: Intel: avs: Verify content returned by parse_int_array()
The first element of the returned array stores its length. If it is 0, any manipulation beyond the element at index 0 ends with null-ptr-deref.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-38307 represents a critical null pointer dereference issue within the Linux kernel's Advanced Sound Architecture (ASoC) subsystem, specifically affecting Intel Audio Video Sync (AVS) audio drivers. This flaw exists in the parse_int_array() function which is responsible for parsing integer arrays from device tree configurations or other data sources. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the parsed array content before subsequent processing operations, creating a scenario where improper array handling can lead to system crashes or potential privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the parse_int_array() function returns an array where the first element contains the array's length value. When this length value equals zero, the function fails to properly validate the array bounds before attempting to access elements beyond the initial position. This validation failure creates a direct path to null pointer dereference conditions when the code attempts to manipulate array elements that do not exist or have not been properly initialized. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where such dereference conditions can cause immediate system instability and potential security implications.
This vulnerability impacts the Intel AVS audio subsystem within the Linux kernel's sound architecture, affecting systems that utilize Intel audio hardware configurations through the ASoC framework. The operational impact includes potential system crashes, audio subsystem failures, and in worst-case scenarios, privilege escalation opportunities that could allow malicious actors to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in embedded systems, servers, and desktop environments where audio functionality is critical and where kernel-level exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
The root cause of this issue maps directly to CWE-476 which describes NULL Pointer Dereference conditions in software systems. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting local privilege escalation opportunities, and T1547.001 which covers registry run keys and startup folder modifications. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer overread or array bounds violation pattern where the kernel fails to properly validate array length before processing array contents.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the latest kernel patches from the Linux kernel security team which implement proper validation of the array length returned by parse_int_array() before any subsequent processing operations. System administrators should prioritize kernel updates and ensure all audio subsystem components are properly patched. Additionally, implementing runtime monitoring for kernel memory access patterns and null pointer dereference detection can provide early warning systems for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel lockdown features and restricting audio driver loading to prevent unauthorized modifications to the audio subsystem configuration.