CVE-2026-46090

Kernel memory compromise via ALSA runtime race

Published May 27, 2026 · Updated May 27, 2026

Use-after-free in the Linux kernel ALSA loopback driver allows local users to corrupt kernel memory through concurrent PCM operations. loopback_check_format() keeps a peer substream after dropping cable->lock, so a concurrent close can free its runtime before snd_pcm_stop() uses it. Access to ALSA PCM device nodes with snd-aloop loaded is required; exploitation can expose or modify kernel memory or crash the host.

CVSS severity7.8
High
EPSS probability0.10%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Use-after-free in the Linux kernel ALSA loopback driver allows local users to corrupt kernel memory through concurrent PCM operations. loopback_check_format() keeps a peer substream after dropping cable->lock, so a concurrent close can free its runtime before snd_pcm_stop() uses it. Access to ALSA PCM device nodes with snd-aloop loaded is required; exploitation can expose or modify kernel memory or crash the host.

The record

CVE
CVE-2026-46090
Published
May 27, 2026
Updated
May 27, 2026
Vendor
The Linux Kernel Organization
Product
Linux Kernel
Classifications
CWE-364, CWE-416, T1068
Attack vector
local
Privileges
authenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. May 27, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. May 27, 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?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=2.6.37
  2. Affected versionversion=597603d615d2b19a9e451d8cfac24372856a522d <03f52a9c170431e8f10e156b9dc0dae80b3e9198
  3. Affected versionversion=597603d615d2b19a9e451d8cfac24372856a522d <5d45e34bf001344e2966dabca1897561bbc9e913
  4. Affected versionversion=597603d615d2b19a9e451d8cfac24372856a522d <bdd9503c3d222d2735b56c7a8b4422ccf3de6e5c
  5. Affected versionversion=597603d615d2b19a9e451d8cfac24372856a522d <e5c33cdc6f402eab8abd36ecf436b22c9d3a8aff

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectorlocal
Required privilegesauthenticated

What is affected?

The Linux Kernel Organization · Linux Kernelversion=2.6.37; version=597603d615d2b19a9e451d8cfac24372856a522d <03f52a9c170431e8f10e156b9dc0dae80b3e9198; version=597603d615d2b19a9e451d8cfac24372856a522d <5d45e34bf001344e2966dabca1897561bbc9e913; version=597603d615d2b19a9e451d8cfac24372856a522d <bdd9503c3d222d2735b56c7a8b4422ccf3de6e5c; version=597603d615d2b19a9e451d8cfac24372856a522d <e5c33cdc6f402eab8abd36ecf436b22c9d3a8aff

Published CVSS scores

7.0Red HatCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
7.8Linux kernel CNACVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

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No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectorlocal
Privilegesauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-364Signal Handler Race Condition
CWE-416Use After Free
T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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