CVE-2019-11599 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's coredump implementation, allowing local users to exploit a race condition and potentially gain sensitive data or cause denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2019-11599

This CVE pertains to a lack of protective measures in the Linux kernel's coredump implementation, potentially leading to security risks.

What is CVE-2019-11599?

The Linux kernel's coredump implementation, before version 5.0.10, lacks protective measures, enabling local users to exploit a race condition and potentially access sensitive data or disrupt services.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11599

The vulnerability can result in local users triggering race conditions, potentially leading to the following consequences:

Obtaining sensitive data
Causing denial of service
Other unspecified impacts

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11599

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The Linux kernel's coredump implementation lacks protective measures, allowing local users to exploit a race condition and potentially access sensitive data or disrupt services.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected versions: Prior to Linux kernel version 5.0.10
Affected files: fs/userfaultfd.c, mm/mmap.c, fs/proc/task_mmu.c, drivers/infiniband/core/uverbs_main.c

Exploitation Mechanism

Local users can trigger a race condition by mmget_not_zero or get_task_mm calls, exploiting the lack of protective measures in the coredump implementation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate and prevent the CVE.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to Linux kernel version 5.0.10 or later
Monitor for any unauthorized access or unusual system behavior

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel and apply security patches
Implement least privilege access controls to limit user capabilities

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patching and updates to the Linux kernel to address the vulnerability.