PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-64001 Linux CVE debrief
A use-after-free vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel's ALSA pcm OSS implementation. When snd_pcm_oss_proc_write() encounters an error while duplicating the task name, it frees the already linked setup entry, potentially leaving setup_list pointing to freed memory. A subsequent OSS device open could then dereference this stale list entry. The vulnerability affects Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux-based systems.
- Vendor
- Linux
- Product
- Unknown
- CVSS
- Unknown
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-07-19
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-07-30
- Advisory published
- 2026-07-19
- Advisory updated
- 2026-07-30
Who should care
Linux kernel developers and maintainers, Linux distribution vendors, and users of Linux-based systems should be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary actions to mitigate it.
Technical summary
The vulnerability exists in the snd_pcm_oss_proc_write() function, which links a newly allocated setup entry into the OSS setup list before duplicating the task name. If task-name allocation fails, the error path frees the linked entry, leaving setup_list pointing at freed memory. A later OSS device open can walk the stale list entry in snd_pcm_oss_look_for_setup() and dereference freed memory. The affected product is the Linux kernel.
Defensive priority
Medium
Recommended defensive actions
- Review and apply the provided kernel patches
- Monitor Linux kernel updates and apply patches promptly
- Consider implementing additional memory safety mechanisms
- Confirm whether affected product deployments exist in managed environments and assign an owner for follow-up
- 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
Evidence notes
The CVE record was published on 2026-07-19T16:17:39.700Z and has not been modified since then. The NVD entry is currently Received. There is limited information available about the vulnerability, and defenders should verify the affected scope and severity with the official CVE record and vendor guidance.
Sources and references
Verified primary and authoritative sources
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CVE-2026-64001 CVE Program record
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-64001
CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.
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CVE-2026-64001 NVD vulnerability detail
Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified
URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-64001
NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.
Supplemental references
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/4cc54bdd54b337e77115be5b55577d1c58608eae
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
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Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/8be4efd0dc0093eb7a02ad1aac936bca2a1f04ce
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/be387230dc22d870afd0e5d35912b07c2bc323bd
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
-
Source reference
Unverified legacy reference
URL: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e13922bb97b4e6f94f8ac02d034f2d4bd65eeb3c
416baaa9-dc9f-4396-8d5f-8c081fb06d67
Methodology and review provenance
AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.