Kernel compromise via unlocked PCM state race
Published Feb 14, 2026 · Updated Feb 14, 2026
Use-after-free in the Linux kernel ALSA aloop driver allows local users with PCM device access to compromise the kernel. The PCM trigger path checks state and stops a tied capture stream outside cable->lock, allowing loopback_check_format() to dereference a concurrently freed stream. Access to local ALSA PCM device files is required; a successful race exposes freed kernel memory to attacker-controlled data.
Summary
What happened
Use-after-free in the Linux kernel ALSA aloop driver allows local users with PCM device access to compromise the kernel. The PCM trigger path checks state and stops a tied capture stream outside cable->lock, allowing loopback_check_format() to dereference a concurrently freed stream. Access to local ALSA PCM device files is required; a successful race exposes freed kernel memory to attacker-controlled data.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-23191
- Published
- Feb 14, 2026
- Updated
- Feb 14, 2026
- Vendor
- The Linux Kernel Organization
- Product
- Linux Kernel
- Classifications
- CWE-416, T1068
- Attack vector
- local
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Feb 14, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Feb 14, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
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- Affected versionversion=1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2 <5727ccf9d19ca414cb76d9b647883822e2789c2e
- Affected versionversion=1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2 <826af7fa62e347464b1b4e0ba2fe19a92438084f
- Affected versionversion=1da177e4c3f41524e886b7f1b8a0c1fc7321cac2 <bad15420050db1803767e58756114800cce91ea4
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Public exploit references
No public exploit references are available in this record.
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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