AUGUST 16, 2026
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Case File

CVE-2026-68202

HIGH · CVSS 7.8 EPSS 0.18%

Source: NVD + CISA KEV + EPSS · Published 2026-08-10 · Last synced 2026-08-16

CyberRota Analysis

AI-Generated

The vulnerability in the Linux kernel affects the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) subsystem, specifically in the handling of queue timers within the snd_seq_timer_delete() function. An unprivileged user with access to /dev/snd/seq can exploit this flaw to dereference a freed queue, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. Organizations utilizing Linux systems with ALSA should prioritize patching this vulnerability to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

CVE
CVE-2026-68202
Severity
HIGH
CVSS
7.8
EPSS
0.18%
Linux

Original NVD Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: seq: close a re-opened queue timer in the destructor queue_delete() closes the queue timer, then frees it. snd_seq_timer_close() clears q->timer->timeri. snd_use_lock_sync() then drains borrowers, and snd_seq_timer_delete() frees q->timer. A borrower can re-open the timer inside that window. A SET_QUEUE_CLIENT that took a queueptr() use_lock reference before the queue was unlinked runs snd_seq_timer_open() after the close. Open refuses re-open only while timeri is set, and the close just cleared it, so it re-opens timeri. snd_seq_timer_delete() does not close that instance. Its snd_seq_timer_stop() is a no-op, because running was cleared first. So it frees q->timer with the instance still live. The queue is freed next. The instance stays on the global timer with callback_data pointing at the freed queue. A non-owner START on the unlocked queue arms it. The next tick derefs the freed queue in snd_seq_timer_interrupt(). Reachable by an unprivileged user with access to /dev/snd/seq. No CAP and no queue ownership required. Close any lingering instance in the destructor. There, ->timeri can no longer change: the queue is unlinked and all use_lock borrowers have drained, so no snd_seq_queue_use() can re-open it. Close it before clearing q->timer. snd_timer_close() waits for any in-flight snd_seq_timer_interrupt() to finish, and that callback still reads q->timer (via snd_seq_check_queue()), so q->timer must stay valid until it drains.