CVE-2019-15099 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

In the Linux kernel up to version 5.2.8, a vulnerability exists in drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath10k/usb.c that leads to a NULL pointer dereference when an incomplete address is present in an endpoint descriptor.

Understanding CVE-2019-15099

What is CVE-2019-15099?

The CVE-2019-15099 vulnerability is a NULL pointer dereference issue in the Linux kernel's wireless driver, specifically in the USB subsystem.

The Impact of CVE-2019-15099

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) or potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-15099

Vulnerability Description

The issue occurs in the Linux kernel through version 5.2.8 due to a NULL pointer dereference triggered by an incomplete address in an endpoint descriptor.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux kernel versions up to 5.2.8

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted packets to the target system, potentially leading to a DoS condition or arbitrary code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest security patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
Monitor vendor advisories for updates and apply patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of successful attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the Linux kernel is updated to a version that includes a fix for CVE-2019-15099 to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.