CVE-2023-0266
Linux Kernel Use-After-Free Vulnerability
Linux Kernel
A use after free vulnerability exists in the ALSA PCM package in the Linux Kernel. SNDRV_CTL_IOCTL_ELEM_{READ|WRITE}32 is missing locks that can be used in a use-after-free that can result in a priviledge escalation to gain ring0 access from the system user. We recommend upgrading past commit 56b88b50565cd8b946a2d00b0c83927b7ebb055e
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 30 March 2023. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 20 April 2023.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 2.6%, which is higher than 85.5% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2023-0266 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2023-0266.
What does CVE-2023-0266 affect?
CVE-2023-0266 affects Linux Kernel. A use after free vulnerability exists in the ALSA PCM package in the Linux Kernel. SNDRV_CTL_IOCTL_ELEM_{READ|WRITE}32 is missing locks that can be used in a use-after-free that can result in a priviledge escalation to gain ring0 access from the system user. We recommend upgrading past commit 56b88b50565cd8b946a2d00b0c83927b7ebb055e
How severe is CVE-2023-0266?
CVE-2023-0266 is rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.9. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 2.6%, higher than 85.5% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 20 April 2023.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2023-0266?
Apply the vendor patch for Linux Kernel as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.