CVE-2019-15213 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability was detected in the Linux kernel prior to version 5.2.3. The drivers/media/usb/dvb-usb/dvb-usb-init.c driver is susceptible to a use-after-free flaw, triggered by a malicious USB device.

Understanding CVE-2019-15213

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the Linux kernel related to a use-after-free flaw in the dvb-usb-init.c driver.

What is CVE-2019-15213?

CVE-2019-15213 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel before version 5.2.3, allowing exploitation via a malicious USB device to trigger a use-after-free flaw in the mentioned driver.

The Impact of CVE-2019-15213

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker with physical access to a system through a malicious USB device, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or a system crash.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-15213

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in the Linux kernel before 5.2.3 is a use-after-free flaw caused by a malicious USB device in the dvb-usb-init.c driver.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 5.2.3
Specifically, the drivers/media/usb/dvb-usb/dvb-usb-init.c driver

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a threat actor using a specially crafted USB device to trigger the use-after-free flaw in the driver.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-15213 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to version 5.2.3 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid connecting untrusted USB devices to critical systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Linux kernel and system components.
Implement device control policies to restrict USB device usage.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers to address the vulnerability effectively.