CVE-2019-19047 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A memory leak vulnerability in the mlx5_fw_fatal_reporter_dump() function in the Linux kernel before version 5.3.11 can lead to a denial of service (DoS) attack. Attackers can exploit this issue by triggering failures in the mlx5_crdump_collect() function.

Understanding CVE-2019-19047

This CVE identifier is associated with a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

What is CVE-2019-19047?

The mlx5_fw_fatal_reporter_dump() function in the Linux kernel prior to version 5.3.11 has a memory leak issue. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) attack by triggering failures in the mlx5_crdump_collect() function.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19047

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) attack on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19047

This section provides technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

A memory leak in the mlx5_fw_fatal_reporter_dump() function in the Linux kernel before 5.3.11 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) by triggering mlx5_crdump_collect() failures, aka CID-c7ed6d0183d5.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected systems are those running the Linux kernel versions prior to 5.3.11.
Specific affected products and versions are not provided.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering failures in the mlx5_crdump_collect() function, leading to memory leaks and potential DoS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19047 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to version 5.3.11 or newer to mitigate the memory leak vulnerability.
Monitor system resources for any signs of abnormal memory consumption.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel and apply security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and block potential DoS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by the Linux kernel maintainers.
Apply relevant patches promptly to address security vulnerabilities and enhance system security.