CVE-2024-57805 is a vulnerability identified in the Linux kernel specifically within the ASoC (ALSA System on Chip) subsystem related to the SOF (Sound Open Firmware) Intel hda-dai driver. The flaw arises from improper handling of the link DMA (Direct Memory Access) channels during audio stream stop triggers. Normally, when an audio stream is stopped, the link DMA should not be released immediately because the stream might be restarted without being fully closed. However, in this vulnerability, the link DMA is released prematurely on a stop trigger. This creates a race condition where another audio stream can seize the released link DMA channels before the original stream restarts. This mismanagement can cause the mixing of DMA channels between streams, leading to firmware errors or kernel crashes. The issue is subtle and not easily reproducible under typical usage because usually, a stream is closed after stopping or restarted by the same stream. The vulnerability manifests when a user interrupts one audio stream and quickly starts another different stream, causing the DMA channels to be confused. This can result in system instability or denial of service due to kernel crashes. The affected versions are specific Linux kernel commits identified by their hashes, indicating this is a recent and targeted fix. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and availability of the audio subsystem and potentially the entire system if exploited, especially in environments relying heavily on audio processing or real-time audio streams.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-57805 primarily concerns systems running Linux kernels with the affected SOF Intel hda-dai driver, particularly those using advanced audio features or professional audio processing. This includes media companies, broadcasters, telecommunications providers, and enterprises with Linux-based audio infrastructure. The vulnerability can cause kernel crashes leading to denial of service, disrupting critical audio services or applications. In industrial or embedded systems using Linux for audio control, such instability could affect operational continuity. Although no direct data breach or privilege escalation is indicated, repeated crashes could degrade system reliability and availability, impacting business operations and user experience. Organizations relying on Linux for audio streaming or conferencing might face interruptions, which is critical in remote work or communication-heavy environments prevalent in Europe. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the subtlety of the bug means it could be triggered unintentionally or by maliciously crafted audio stream sequences, especially in multi-user or multi-stream environments.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Apply the latest Linux kernel patches that address CVE-2024-57805 as soon as they become available, ensuring the SOF Intel hda-dai driver no longer releases link DMA on stop triggers prematurely. 2) Audit and monitor audio stream management processes to detect unusual or rapid switching between audio streams that could trigger the vulnerability. 3) In environments where kernel stability is critical, consider temporarily disabling or limiting the use of affected audio drivers until patches are applied. 4) Implement kernel crash monitoring and automated recovery mechanisms to minimize downtime in case of exploitation. 5) For embedded or industrial Linux systems, coordinate with hardware and firmware vendors to ensure integrated patches and firmware updates are deployed. 6) Educate system administrators and users about the potential for audio stream manipulation to cause system instability, reducing inadvertent triggering. 7) Maintain strict access controls to prevent unauthorized users from initiating audio streams that could exploit this race condition.