CVE-2019-15875 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2019-15875 affecting FreeBSD systems, allowing core dump files to store up to 20 bytes of kernel data, leading to potential information exposure and security risks. Find mitigation steps and best practices for long-term security.
FreeBSD systems with specific versions are vulnerable to a security issue that could lead to kernel data exposure through core dump files.
Understanding CVE-2019-15875
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in FreeBSD versions that could result in the exposure of sensitive kernel data.
What is CVE-2019-15875?
Before specific version releases in FreeBSD, a flaw existed where core dump files could inadvertently store up to 20 bytes of kernel data from the stack due to incorrect initialization of a stack data structure.
The Impact of CVE-2019-15875
The vulnerability could potentially expose sensitive kernel information, leading to security risks and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-15875
FreeBSD systems with the following versions are affected:
- FreeBSD 12.1-STABLE before r354734
- FreeBSD 12.1-RELEASE before 12.1-RELEASE-p2
- FreeBSD 12.0-RELEASE before 12.0-RELEASE-p13
- FreeBSD 11.3-STABLE before r354735
- FreeBSD 11.3-RELEASE before 11.3-RELEASE-p6
Vulnerability Description
Due to incorrect initialization of a stack data structure, core dump files in affected FreeBSD versions may contain up to 20 bytes of kernel data from the stack.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability impacts FreeBSD systems running the specified versions mentioned above.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability could allow threat actors to access sensitive kernel information stored in core dump files, potentially leading to further system compromise.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2019-15875, users and administrators should take the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the necessary patches provided by FreeBSD to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor system logs and activities for any suspicious behavior that could indicate exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update FreeBSD systems to the latest stable releases to ensure all security patches are applied.
- Implement proper access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system data.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories from FreeBSD and promptly apply any patches or updates released to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-15875.