CVE-2009-0035: alsa-utils 1.0.19 and later versions allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack via

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5UPGRADE

CVE-2009-0035 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) affecting alsa. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

alsa-utils 1.0.19 and later versions allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack via the /usr/bin/alsa-info and /usr/bin/alsa-info.sh scripts.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 59%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
Published	2019-11-09
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: alsa-project

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-11-09 03:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

alsa-project alsa UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.0.19 and < 1.0.20

Fixed in: 1.0.20

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.19

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy alsa || rpm -q alsa || alsa --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.0.20 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade alsa

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade alsa

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.19 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison alsa sudo apt install alsa=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.19> sudo apt-mark hold alsa

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list alsa sudo dnf downgrade alsa-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.19> sudo dnf versionlock add alsa

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2009-0035?

alsa: upgrade to 1.0.20. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2009-0035 being exploited?

CVE-2009-0035 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2009-0035 affect?

CVE-2009-0035 affects alsa. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). alsa-utils 1.0.19 and later versions allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack via the /usr/bin/alsa-info and /usr/bin/alsa-info.sh scripts.

How urgent is CVE-2009-0035?

Priority 34/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2019-13351 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE UPGRADE posix/JackSocket.cpp in libjack in JACK2 1.9.1 through 1.9.12 (as distributed with alsa-plugins 1.1.7 and late

References

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