CVE-2019-18902 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability known as Use After Free has been discovered in the wicked component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15, openSUSE Leap 15.1, and openSUSE Factory. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. The affected versions are as follows: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 versions prior to 0.6.60-3.5.1, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 versions prior to 0.6.60-3.21.1, openSUSE Leap 15.1 versions prior to 0.6.60-lp151.2.6.1, and openSUSE Factory versions prior to 0.6.62.

Understanding CVE-2019-18902

This CVE identifies a Use After Free vulnerability in the wicked component of various Linux distributions, potentially leading to remote code execution or denial of service.

What is CVE-2019-18902?

The CVE-2019-18902 vulnerability, also known as Use After Free, affects the wicked component in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15, openSUSE Leap 15.1, and openSUSE Factory. It allows remote attackers to exploit the system, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2019-18902

The impact of CVE-2019-18902 is considered high, with a CVSS base score of 7.5. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with no privileges required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-18902

This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE-2019-18902 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The Use After Free vulnerability in the wicked component of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15, openSUSE Leap 15.1, and openSUSE Factory allows remote attackers to exploit the system, potentially resulting in denial of service or arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12 versions prior to 0.6.60-3.5.1
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 versions prior to 0.6.60-3.21.1
openSUSE Leap 15.1 versions prior to 0.6.60-lp151.2.6.1
openSUSE Factory versions prior to 0.6.62

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-18902, follow these mitigation and prevention strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patches provided by the respective vendors.
Monitor security advisories for updates and apply them promptly.
Implement network security measures to prevent remote exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about safe computing practices.
Implement access controls and least privilege principles to limit system exposure.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update the wicked component on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 12, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15, openSUSE Leap 15.1, and openSUSE Factory to versions that address the Use After Free vulnerability.