CVE-2019-18813 : Security Advisory and Response

A memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel up to version 5.3.9 can lead to a denial of service attack due to excessive memory consumption.

Understanding CVE-2019-18813

The vulnerability in the dwc3_pci_probe() function in drivers/usb/dwc3/dwc3-pci.c can be exploited by attackers, causing a denial of service by triggering platform_device_add_properties() failures.

What is CVE-2019-18813?

The flaw in the Linux kernel allows attackers to exploit a memory leak issue, resulting in a denial of service due to excessive memory consumption.

The Impact of CVE-2019-18813

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service, leading to excessive memory consumption.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-18813

The technical details of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The memory leak in the dwc3_pci_probe() function in drivers/usb/dwc3/dwc3-pci.c in the Linux kernel through version 5.3.9 allows attackers to trigger platform_device_add_properties() failures, resulting in a denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Linux kernel up to version 5.3.9

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the memory leak issue by triggering platform_device_add_properties() failures.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2019-18813 vulnerability:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
Monitor system memory consumption for any unusual spikes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest version.
Implement proper memory management practices to prevent memory leaks.
Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.