CVE-2019-15877 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The ixl network driver in FreeBSD versions 12.1-STABLE prior to r356606 and 12.1-RELEASE before 12.1-RELEASE-p3 had a vulnerability that allowed unprivileged users to modify the device's non-volatile memory without proper authorization.

Understanding CVE-2019-15877

This CVE entry pertains to a security vulnerability in the ixl network driver of FreeBSD versions 12.1-STABLE and 12.1-RELEASE.

What is CVE-2019-15877?

In FreeBSD 12.1-STABLE before r356606 and 12.1-RELEASE before 12.1-RELEASE-p3, the ixl network driver did not verify if the caller had sufficient privileges for driver-specific ioctl command handlers. This oversight enabled unprivileged users to make unauthorized modifications to the device's non-volatile memory.

The Impact of CVE-2019-15877

The vulnerability allowed unprivileged users to manipulate the device's non-volatile memory, potentially leading to unauthorized changes and disruptions in the system's operation.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-15877

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The ixl network driver in FreeBSD versions 12.1-STABLE before r356606 and 12.1-RELEASE before 12.1-RELEASE-p3 lacked proper privilege verification, enabling unprivileged users to alter the device's non-volatile memory.

Affected Systems and Versions

FreeBSD 12.1-STABLE before r356606
FreeBSD 12.1-RELEASE before 12.1-RELEASE-p3

Exploitation Mechanism

Unprivileged users could exploit this vulnerability by initiating modifications to the device's non-volatile memory without the necessary privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-15877 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patches provided by FreeBSD to address the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to unauthorized memory modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch FreeBSD systems to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement proper privilege management to restrict unauthorized access to critical system components.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that FreeBSD systems are updated to versions that include the fix for CVE-2019-15877 to mitigate the risk of unauthorized memory modifications.