CVE-2025-38056
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Sound Open Firmware (SOF) Intel HDA driver allows attackers to potentially crash the system or execute arbitrary code when the affected module is reloaded. This affects Linux systems using Intel HDA audio hardware with the snd_sof_intel_hda_generic module. The vulnerability requires local access to trigger.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with SOF Intel HDA audio support
📦 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 →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
Kernel panic leading to denial of service, or potential privilege escalation to kernel-level code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Likely Case
System crash or kernel panic when the affected audio driver module is reloaded, causing denial of service.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls prevent unauthorized module loading/unloading.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to load/unload kernel modules. The vulnerability triggers during module reload sequence.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing commits 2b49e68360eb6a1c03dc1642a51f7d9f6784c034, 7dd7f39fce0022b386ef1ea5ffef92ecc7dfc6af, or f9670b2e81e8a3cbf2e1e757190dd0b920a9d43f
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2b49e68360eb6a1c03dc1642a51f7d9f6784c034
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix commits. 2. Reboot system to load patched kernel. 3. Verify the snd_sof_intel_hda_generic module loads without errors.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Prevent module unloading
linuxSet module parameters to prevent unloading of the affected audio driver
echo 0 > /sys/module/snd_sof_intel_hda_generic/parameters/allow_unload
Blacklist vulnerable module
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable module entirely
echo 'blacklist snd_sof_intel_hda_generic' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict module loading privileges using capabilities or SELinux/AppArmor policies
- Monitor for unauthorized module loading/unloading activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if snd_sof_intel_hda_generic module is loaded: lsmod | grep snd_sof_intel_hda_genericCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version contains fix commits: uname -r and verify against patched versions📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- KFENCE use-after-free errors in dmesg
- Module loading/unloading events in system logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("use-after-free" OR "KFENCE" OR "snd_sof_intel_hda_generic")