CVE-2026-52963 Linux CVE debrief

Who should care

Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability. They should review and apply the patch to the Linux kernel's ALSA usb-audio module, update Linux kernel packages to the latest version, and monitor Linux kernel updates and patches for potential vulnerabilities.

Technical summary

The Linux kernel's ALSA usb-audio module has a vulnerability in the snd_usbmidi_get_ms_info() function. The function does not properly validate the size of the MIDIStreaming endpoint descriptor, which could lead to a buffer overflow. This vulnerability has been resolved with a patch that bounds MIDI endpoint descriptor scans. The patch ensures that the descriptor walker stops when bLength is zero or extends past the remaining endpoint-extra scan, preventing flexible-array reads from being bounded by bLength alone.

Defensive priority

Medium

Recommended defensive actions

• Review and apply the patch to the Linux kernel's ALSA usb-audio module
• Update Linux kernel packages to the latest version
• Monitor Linux kernel updates and patches for potential vulnerabilities
• Review compensating controls for exposed systems while remediation is scheduled and verified
• Check relevant monitoring, detection, and logs for exposed assets that need extra review
• Track exceptions, retest remediated assets, and close the item only after evidence is documented
• Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up

Evidence notes

The CVE record was published on 2026-06-24T17:17:06.650Z and last modified on 2026-07-10T19:23:34.427Z. The NVD entry is currently Awaiting Analysis. This vulnerability affects the Linux kernel's ALSA usb-audio module, specifically in the snd_usbmidi_get_ms_info() function, which did not properly validate the size of the MIDIStreaming endpoint descriptor. This could potentially lead to a buffer overflow. The vulnerability has been resolved with a patch that bounds MIDI endpoint descriptor scans. Evidence is limited to public CVE and NVD information.

Official resources