CVE-2026-31602

Description

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) ctxfi driver. When handling memory allocations, the ct_vm_map() function can attempt to access memory beyond its allocated boundaries if aggregate memory allocations exceed a single page limit. This out-of-bounds access triggers a page fault, which can lead to a system crash. A local attacker could exploit this vulnerability to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) on the affected system.

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

CWE-788

Confidentiality

Technical Impact: Read Memory

For an out-of-bounds read, the attacker may have access to sensitive information. If the sensitive information contains system details, such as the current buffer's position in memory, this knowledge can be used to craft further attacks, possibly with more severe consequences.

Integrity,Availability

Technical Impact: Modify Memory; DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart

Out of bounds memory access will very likely result in the corruption of relevant memory, and perhaps instructions, possibly leading to a crash. Other attacks leading to lack of availability are possible, including putting the program into an infinite loop.

Integrity

Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands

If the memory accessible by the attacker can be effectively controlled, it may be possible to execute arbitrary code, as with a standard buffer overflow. If the attacker can overwrite a pointer's worth of memory (usually 32 or 64 bits), they can redirect a function pointer to their own malicious code. Even when the attacker can only modify a single byte arbitrary code execution can be possible. Sometimes this is because the same problem can be exploited repeatedly to the same effect. Other times it is because the attacker can overwrite security-critical application-specific data -- such as a flag indicating whether the user is an administrator.

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