CVE-2026-72261 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 08/15/2026
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
ASoC: SOF: ipc3-control: Validate size in snd_sof_update_control
In snd_sof_update_control(), firmware-provided cdata->num_elems is checked against local_cdata->data->size but never against the actual allocation size. If local_cdata->data->size was previously set to an inconsistent value, the memcpy could write past the allocated buffer.
Add a bounds check to ensure num_elems fits within the available space in the ipc_control_data allocation before copying.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel's SOF (Sound Open Firmware) subsystem represents a critical buffer overflow condition that could enable arbitrary code execution or system instability. This flaw exists within the snd_sof_update_control function which handles firmware control data updates in the sound subsystem. The issue stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied parameters during firmware communication processing, creating a potential attack vector for malicious firmware or compromised system components.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the kernel processes control data structures received from firmware components through the IPC (Inter-Processor Communication) mechanism. Specifically, the function validates firmware-provided cdata->num_elems against local_cdata->data->size but fails to verify this against the actual memory allocation size of the ipc_control_data structure. This validation gap allows a malicious actor to manipulate the num_elems parameter to exceed the bounds of allocated memory, potentially leading to heap corruption and unauthorized memory access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple buffer overflows as it affects the core audio subsystem functionality within embedded systems and devices utilizing SOF firmware. Attackers could exploit this condition to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially compromising entire systems including mobile devices, embedded platforms, and IoT appliances that rely on Linux kernel sound drivers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where firmware updates are not properly authenticated or where untrusted firmware components may be loaded.
This flaw aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write classifications under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, demonstrating a classic memory safety issue in kernel-space code. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter for executing malicious payloads through kernel-level manipulation. The exploitation requires either physical access to modify firmware or successful compromise of firmware update mechanisms within the device ecosystem.
The mitigation strategy involves implementing comprehensive bounds checking that validates firmware-provided element counts against actual allocated buffer sizes before any memory copying operations occur. This approach ensures that all data transfers respect memory boundaries and prevents potential corruption of adjacent memory regions. The fix specifically addresses the missing validation by adding explicit size checks that compare num_elems against the ipc_control_data allocation limits, preventing unauthorized memory access patterns while maintaining legitimate firmware functionality.
The resolution demonstrates proper defensive programming practices recommended for kernel development environments, emphasizing the critical importance of input validation even in trusted kernel subsystems. This vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive testing of firmware communication pathways and underscores the necessity of rigorous code reviews focusing on memory safety within operating system kernels. The fix contributes to overall system security by preventing potential escalation attacks that could leverage buffer overflows for privilege elevation or persistent system compromise.