CVE-2025-38308
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a null pointer dereference vulnerability in the Linux kernel's ASoC Intel AVS driver. If exploited, it could cause kernel crashes or denial of service on systems using affected Intel audio hardware. The vulnerability affects Linux systems with specific Intel audio components.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel with Intel ASoC AVS 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 →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 system crash and denial of service, potentially requiring physical reboot.
Likely Case
System instability or audio subsystem failures when initializing hardware, causing application crashes.
If Mitigated
Minor system instability that may require restarting affected audio services.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and ability to trigger audio hardware initialization under specific conditions.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched in kernel commits 2f78724d4f0c665c83e202e3989d5333a2cb1036 and ea218ae05e60616531fe652650b98dcd3c328279
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/2f78724d4f0c665c83e202e3989d5333a2cb1036
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version containing the fix. 2. Reboot system to load new kernel. 3. Verify kernel version after reboot.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Intel AVS driver
linuxPrevent loading of the vulnerable driver module
echo 'blacklist snd_soc_avs' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
rmmod snd_soc_avs
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with affected hardware
- Monitor system logs for kernel panic or audio subsystem failures
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if Intel AVS driver is loaded: lsmod | grep snd_soc_avsCheck Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Check kernel version against patched versions and verify driver loads without errors📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages
- Audio subsystem initialization failures
- Null pointer dereference in kernel logs
Network Indicators:
- None - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "null pointer" OR "ASoC" OR "avs")