CVE-2019-14079 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-14079, a critical kernel failure vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon products due to an uninitialized variable in USB connectivity. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures here.
A kernel failure vulnerability in multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon products can be exploited due to the use of an uninitialized variable in USB connectivity.
Understanding CVE-2019-14079
This CVE involves a critical flaw in Qualcomm Snapdragon devices that could lead to a kernel failure.
What is CVE-2019-14079?
The vulnerability arises from accessing an uninitialized variable when attempting to unmap a dma buffer of a request that was never mapped initially, resulting in a kernel failure.
The Impact of CVE-2019-14079
The vulnerability could allow an attacker to trigger a kernel failure, potentially leading to system crashes or unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-14079
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw occurs in Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Consumer IOT, Industrial IOT, Mobile, and Wearables products when the driver tries to unmap a dma buffer of a request that was not originally mapped, due to an uninitialized variable.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Products: Snapdragon Auto, Compute, Consumer IOT, Industrial IOT, Mobile, Wearables
- Versions: APQ8009, APQ8053, MDM9607, MDM9640, MSM8909W, MSM8953, QCA6574AU, QCS605, SDA845, SDM429, SDM429W, SDM439, SDM450, SDM632, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDX24, SM8150, SXR1130
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by accessing the uninitialized variable during the unmapping process, leading to a kernel failure.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2019-14079 with these mitigation strategies.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply patches provided by Qualcomm promptly.
- Monitor vendor security bulletins for updates.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update firmware and software to the latest versions.
- Conduct security assessments and penetration testing.
- Educate users on safe computing practices to prevent exploitation.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories from Qualcomm.
- Apply patches and updates as soon as they are released to mitigate the vulnerability.