CVE-2023-0266

A use after free vulnerability exists in the ALSA PCM package in the Linux Kernel. SNDRV_CTL_IOCTL_ELEM_{READ|WRITE}32 is missing locks that can be…

Browse: All 2023 CVEs · All vendors

CVSS score
7.9 High
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:H
CISA KEV
Yes — actively exploited (added 2023-03-30, remediation due 2023-04-20)
Weakness (CWE)
CWE-416
Published
2023-01-30
Last modified
2026-06-17
NVD status
Analyzed

Description

A use after free vulnerability exists in the ALSA PCM package in the Linux Kernel. SNDRV_CTL_IOCTL_ELEM_{READ|WRITE}32 is missing locks that can be used in a use-after-free that can result in a priviledge escalation to gain ring0 access from the system user. We recommend upgrading past commit 56b88b50565cd8b946a2d00b0c83927b7ebb055e

Affected products

Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.

Required action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions. Federal remediation deadline: 2023-04-20.

How to prioritize this

This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score. For the actively exploited vulnerabilities that matter this week, read The Exploit HQ daily security brief.

References

FAQ

Is CVE-2023-0266 actively exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-0266 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2023-03-30, with a federal remediation deadline of 2023-04-20. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-0266?

CVE-2023-0266 has a CVSS base score of 7.9 (High). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:H.

Related vulnerabilities

Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.