CVE-2019-19057 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel up to version 5.3.11 can be exploited to cause a denial of service by consuming excessive memory.

Understanding CVE-2019-19057

Two memory leaks in a specific function in the Linux kernel allow attackers to trigger failures and consume memory, leading to a denial of service.

What is CVE-2019-19057?

The vulnerability exists in the function mwifiex_pcie_init_evt_ring() in the Linux kernel, enabling attackers to exploit memory leaks and exhaust system memory, resulting in a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19057

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger memory leaks, leading to a denial of service by consuming excessive memory.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19057

The technical aspects of the vulnerability provide insight into its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from memory leaks in the mwifiex_pcie_init_evt_ring() function in the Linux kernel, allowing attackers to cause a denial of service by triggering specific failures.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the Linux kernel up to version 5.3.11.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the memory leaks by invoking failures in mwifiex_map_pci_memory(), leading to excessive memory consumption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19057 involves immediate steps and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant security patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
Monitor system memory usage for any unusual spikes that could indicate a potential attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version to mitigate known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

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