CVE-2019-19060 : What You Need to Know

A memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel version prior to 5.3.9 can be exploited by attackers to trigger a denial of service attack. This CVE has the Common Identifier (CID) ab612b1daf41.

Understanding CVE-2019-19060

This CVE involves a memory leak issue in a specific function within the Linux kernel, potentially leading to a denial of service attack due to excessive memory consumption.

What is CVE-2019-19060?

The vulnerability in the adis_update_scan_mode() function in drivers/iio/imu/adis_buffer.c in the Linux kernel before version 5.3.9 allows malicious actors to cause a denial of service by consuming excessive memory.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19060

The vulnerability poses a risk of denial of service attacks, potentially disrupting system operations and causing instability due to memory exhaustion.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19060

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The memory leak in the adis_update_scan_mode() function in the Linux kernel before 5.3.9 enables attackers to exploit the system's memory resources, leading to a denial of service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected System: Linux kernel versions prior to 5.3.9
Affected Function: adis_update_scan_mode() in drivers/iio/imu/adis_buffer.c

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly triggering the adis_update_scan_mode() function, causing memory leaks and eventual denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19060 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant patches and updates to the Linux kernel to mitigate the memory leak vulnerability.
Monitor system resources for any signs of abnormal memory consumption.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update the Linux kernel to versions 5.3.9 or newer to eliminate the memory leak issue and enhance system security.