CVE-2026-74499: ALSA: usb-audio: fix OOB write in snd_usbmidi_akai_output()

Published Aug 15, 2026
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

ALSA: usb-audio: fix OOB write in sndusbmidiakaioutput()

sndusbmidiakaioutput() computes its fill-loop bound

bufend = ep->maxtransfer - MAXAKAISYSEXLEN - 1;

as a signed int, so a small device-advertised bulk-OUT maxtransfer makes bufend negative. The loop guard then compares the u32 urb->transferbufferlength against that negative int: the usual arithmetic conversion turns bufend into a large unsigned value, so the guard stays true and each iteration keeps appending SysEx framing and payload bytes past the end of the URB transfer buffer, which is only maxtransfer bytes long.

A USB device that advertises a tiny bulk-OUT endpoint can therefore trigger an attacker-length- and content-controlled heap out-of-bounds write when a process writes to the created /dev/snd/midiCD node.

Return early when there is no room for even one SysEx, so the loop is never entered with a bound that would wrap. The loop is the last statement of the function, so bailing out is equivalent to it not running.

Discovered by XBOW, triaged by Baul Lee <baul.lee@xbow.com>

Affected Software

1 affected component
Linux Linux kernel

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Linux kernel (snd-usbmidi_akai) to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Patch ALSA: usb-audio: fix OOB write in snd_usbmidi_akai_output()

Event History

Aug 15, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:27 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:27 PM
Description
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-74499?

CVE-2026-74499 has a severity score of 65.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-74499?

To fix CVE-2026-74499, update your Linux kernel to the latest version where the vulnerability is patched.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2026-74499?

CVE-2026-74499 affects the ALSA USB audio subsystem in the Linux kernel.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-74499?

CVE-2026-74499 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability.

5

What component of the Linux kernel is impacted by CVE-2026-74499?

CVE-2026-74499 impacts the snd_usbmidi_akai_output() function in the USB audio driver.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203