CVE-2019-19048 : Security Advisory and Response

A memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel prior to version 5.3.9 can lead to denial of service attacks due to a flaw in the crypto_reportstat() function.

Understanding CVE-2019-19048

This CVE involves a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can be exploited for denial of service attacks.

What is CVE-2019-19048?

The vulnerability in the crypto_reportstat() function in the Linux kernel before version 5.3.9 allows attackers to trigger copy_from_user() failures, leading to a denial of service attack by consuming system memory.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19048

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause denial of service by consuming system memory.
Identified as CID-e0b0cb938864, this flaw can be used to initiate copy_from_user() failures.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19048

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The memory leak occurs in the crypto_reportstat() function in drivers/virt/vboxguest/vboxguest_utils.c.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux kernel versions prior to 5.3.9 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering copy_from_user() failures, leading to a denial of service attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19048 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to version 5.3.9 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system memory consumption for any unusual spikes that could indicate an ongoing attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Linux kernel to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect and prevent memory consumption attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by the Linux kernel maintainers.