CVE-2026-23089

CVE-2026-23089 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-416.

Key facts

Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: usb-audio: Fix use-after-free in snd_usb_mixer_free() When snd_usb_create_mixer() fails, snd_usb_mixer_free() frees mixer->id_elems but the controls already added to the card still reference the freed memory. Later when snd_card_register() runs, the OSS mixer layer calls their callbacks and hits a use-after-free read. Call trace: get_ctl_value+0x63f/0x820 sound/usb/mixer.c:411 get_min_max_with_quirks.isra.0+0x240/0x1f40 sound/usb/mixer.c:1241 mixer_ctl_feature_info+0x26b/0x490 sound/usb/mixer.c:1381 snd_mixer_oss_build_test+0x174/0x3a0 sound/core/oss/mixer_oss.c:887 ... snd_card_register+0x4ed/0x6d0 sound/core/init.c:923 usb_audio_probe+0x5ef/0x2a90 sound/usb/card.c:1025 Fix by calling snd_ctl_remove() for all mixer controls before freeing id_elems. We save the next pointer first because snd_ctl_remove() frees the current element.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-23089?
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: ALSA: usb-audio: Fix use-after-free in snd_usb_mixer_free() When snd_usb_create_mixer() fails, snd_usb_mixer_free() frees mixer->id_elems but the controls already added to the card still reference the freed memory. Later when snd_card_register() runs, the OSS mixer layer calls their callbacks and hits a use-after-free read. Call trace: get_ctl_value+0x63f/0x820 sound/usb/mixer.c:411 get_min_max_with_quirks.isra.0+0x240/0x1f40 sound/usb/mixer.c:1241 mixer_ctl_feature_info+0x26b/0x490 sound/usb/mixer.c:1381 snd_mixer_oss_build_test+0x174/0x3a0 sound/core/oss/mixer_oss.c:887 ... snd_card_register+0x4ed/0x6d0 sound/core/init.c:923 usb_audio_probe+0x5ef/0x2a90 sound/usb/card.c:1025 Fix by calling snd_ctl_remove() for all mixer controls before freeing id_elems. We save the next pointer first because snd_ctl_remove() frees the current element.
How severe is CVE-2026-23089?
CVE-2026-23089 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-2026-23089 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (3rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-23089?
CVE-2026-23089 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-23089?
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.
Does CVE-2026-23089 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2026-23089 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-5453.
When was CVE-2026-23089 published?
CVE-2026-23089 was published on 2026-02-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (7)

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