CVE-2016-9794

CVE-2016-9794 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-362.

Key facts

• Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
• CVSS v2: 7.2
• EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (25th percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-362
• Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
• Published: 2016-12-28
• Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Race condition in the snd_pcm_period_elapsed function in sound/core/pcm_lib.c in the ALSA subsystem in the Linux kernel before 4.7 allows local users to cause a denial of service (use-after-free) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted SNDRV_PCM_TRIGGER_START command.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-9794?

Race condition in the snd_pcm_period_elapsed function in sound/core/pcm_lib.c in the ALSA subsystem in the Linux kernel before 4.7 allows local users to cause a denial of service (use-after-free) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted SNDRV_PCM_TRIGGER_START command.

How severe is CVE-2016-9794?

CVE-2016-9794 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-9794 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-9794?

CVE-2016-9794 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-9794?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2016-9794 published?

CVE-2016-9794 was published on 2016-12-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

• http://git.kernel.org/cgit/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=3aa02cb664c5fb1042958c8d1aa8c35055a2ebc4
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00057.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00062.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00072.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00075.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00081.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00088.html
• http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2016-12/msg00091.html
• http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2016-2574.html
• http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/12/03/2
• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/94654
• https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1401494
• https://github.com/torvalds/linux/commit/3aa02cb664c5fb1042958c8d1aa8c35055a2ebc4
• https://patchwork.kernel.org/patch/8752621/
• https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2017-05-01

Affected products (1)

• cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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