CVE-2023-54072: In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: pcm: Fix potential data race at PCM memory allocation helpers The PCM memo...

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: pcm: Fix potential data race at PCM memory allocation helpers The PCM memory allocation helpers have a sanity check against too many buffer allocations. However, the check is performed without a proper lock and the allocation isn't serialized; this allows user to allocate more memories than predefined max size. Practically seen, this isn't really a big problem, as it's more or less some "soft limit" as a sanity check, and it's not possible to allocate unlimitedly. But it's still better to address this for more consistent behavior. The patch covers the size check in do_alloc_pages() with the card->memory_mutex, and increases the allocated size there for preventing the further overflow. When the actual allocation fails, the size is decreased accordingly.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.17%

6.9th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

References

Timeline

Published: Dec 24, 2025
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-54072?

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: pcm: Fix potential data race at PCM memory allocation helpers The PCM memory allocation helpers have a sanity check against too many buffer allocations. However, the check is performed without a proper lock and the allocation isn't serialized; this allows user to allocate more memories than predefined max size. Practically seen, this isn't really a big problem, as it's more or less some "soft limit" as a sanity check, and it's not possible to allocate unlimitedly. But it's still better to address this for more consistent behavior. The patch covers the size check in do_alloc_pages() with the card->memory_mutex, and increases the allocated size there for preventing the further overflow. When the actual allocation fails, the size is decreased accordingly.

How severe is CVE-2023-54072?

Severity scoring for CVE-2023-54072 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.17% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-54072?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.