CVE-2019-15879 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-15879, a FreeBSD vulnerability allowing unprivileged processes to overwrite kernel memory. Find mitigation steps and affected versions here.
A vulnerability in FreeBSD versions prior to r356908 of 12.1-STABLE, prior to p5 of 12.1-RELEASE, prior to r356908 of 11.3-STABLE, and prior to p9 of 11.3-RELEASE allowed an unprivileged process to exploit a race condition in the cryptodev module, potentially leading to arbitrary kernel memory overwrite.
Understanding CVE-2019-15879
This CVE involves a use after free vulnerability in FreeBSD.
What is CVE-2019-15879?
In FreeBSD versions before specified updates, a race condition in the cryptodev module enabled an unprivileged process to manipulate freed data structures in the kernel, potentially resulting in the overwrite of arbitrary kernel memory.
The Impact of CVE-2019-15879
The vulnerability could be exploited by an unauthorized user to compromise the integrity and security of the FreeBSD system, potentially leading to arbitrary kernel memory modifications.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-15879
This section provides detailed technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in FreeBSD versions prior to specific updates allowed an unprivileged process to exploit a race condition in the cryptodev module, potentially leading to arbitrary kernel memory overwrite.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: FreeBSD
- Vulnerable Versions: FreeBSD 12.1-RELEASE before p5, and 11.3-RELEASE before p9
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability stemmed from a race condition in the cryptodev module, enabling an unprivileged process to manipulate freed data structures in the kernel, potentially resulting in arbitrary kernel memory overwrite.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-15879 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the necessary patches and updates provided by FreeBSD to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor security advisories for any further updates or patches related to this CVE.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch FreeBSD systems to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Implement least privilege access controls to limit the impact of potential exploits.
Patching and Updates
- Ensure all FreeBSD systems are updated to versions that address the CVE-2019-15879 vulnerability.