CVE-2026-96675
Received Received - Intake

ALSA-lib PCM Plugin Denial of Service via Sparse Binding Indices

Publication date: 2026-09-23

Last updated on: 2026-09-23

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description
alsa-lib through 1.2.16.1 contains a denial of service vulnerability in the multi PCM plugin that fails to validate sparse binding indices before array access. Attackers can supply a malicious ALSA configuration file with sparse bindings to trigger an out-of-bounds array read and assertion failure, causing the application to abort.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-09-23
Last Modified
2026-09-23
Generated
2026-09-23
AI Q&A
2026-09-23
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-96675
EUVD
EUVD-2026-85347

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 2 associated CPEs
Vendor Product Version / Range
alsa_project alsa_lib 1.2.16.1
alsa_project alsa-lib 1.2.16.1

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
CWE ID Description
CWE-129 The product uses untrusted input when calculating or using an array index, but the product does not validate or incorrectly validates the index to ensure the index references a valid position within the array.

Attack-Flow Graph

AI Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This is a denial of service vulnerability in alsa-lib through version 1.2.16.1. It occurs in the multi PCM plugin where sparse binding indices in ALSA configuration files are not properly validated. Attackers can trigger an out-of-bounds array read and assertion failure, causing the application to crash.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check the version of alsa-lib installed on your system using the command: alsa-lib --version. If the version is 1.2.16.1 or earlier, the system is potentially vulnerable. Additionally, monitor system logs for crashes or assertion failures in audio-related applications.

Impact Analysis

This vulnerability can cause applications using alsa-lib to crash unexpectedly when processing malicious ALSA configuration files. It may lead to denial of service conditions, disrupting audio functionality in affected systems.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability is a denial of service issue in alsa-lib that causes application crashes due to improper array index validation. It does not directly involve data exposure or unauthorized access, which are primary concerns for GDPR or HIPAA compliance. However, application crashes could lead to service disruptions affecting availability, a secondary consideration under these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update alsa-lib to the latest version available from the official ALSA project repository. If updating is not possible, restrict access to ALSA configuration files and disable unnecessary audio plugins to reduce attack surface.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-96675. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart