CVE-2019-15223 : Security Advisory and Response

The Linux kernel versions prior to 5.1.8 have a vulnerability in the sound/usb/line6 driver that can be exploited by a malicious USB device to trigger a NULL pointer dereference.

Understanding CVE-2019-15223

This CVE describes a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to a NULL pointer dereference.

What is CVE-2019-15223?

This CVE refers to a flaw in the sound/usb/line6 driver in Linux kernels before version 5.1.8 that allows a malevolent USB device to cause a NULL pointer dereference.

The Impact of CVE-2019-15223

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with a specially crafted USB device to crash the system or potentially execute arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-15223

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a NULL pointer dereference in the sound/usb/line6 driver in Linux kernels prior to version 5.1.8.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Linux kernels before version 5.1.8
Affected Component: sound/usb/line6 driver
Versions: All versions before 5.1.8

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a malicious USB device to trigger the NULL pointer dereference in the driver, potentially leading to system crashes or code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to Linux kernel version 5.1.8 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid connecting untrusted USB devices to the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel and system components to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement device access controls to restrict USB device usage.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Linux distributions promptly to address security issues.