CVE-2025-37793
📋 TL;DR
A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ASoC Intel AVS driver allows local attackers to cause a kernel panic (system crash) or potentially execute arbitrary code. This affects systems running vulnerable Linux kernel versions with the Intel AVS audio driver loaded. Attackers need local access to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Intel AVS audio driver
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel panic causing system crash and denial of service, requiring reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if proper access controls prevent local attackers from loading vulnerable audio components.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger the vulnerable audio component probe function. Memory allocation failure must be induced.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing fixes from the provided git commits
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/23fde311ea1d0a6c36bf92ce48b90b77d0ece1a4
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load patched kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Intel AVS audio driver
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable audio driver module
echo 'blacklist snd_intel_avs' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod snd_intel_avs
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to prevent exploitation
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for audio device operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and if Intel AVS driver is loaded: 'uname -r' and 'lsmod | grep snd_intel_avs'Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version is updated and contains the fix commits from git references📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- NULL pointer dereference errors in kernel logs
- Audio driver crash messages
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
kernel: "NULL pointer dereference" OR "avs_component_probe" OR "ASoC: Intel: avs"