CVE-2019-19074 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-19074, a memory leak vulnerability in the Linux kernel up to version 5.3.11, leading to denial of service attacks. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures here.
A memory leak vulnerability in the ath9k_wmi_cmd() function in the Linux kernel up to version 5.3.11 can lead to a denial of service attack due to excessive memory consumption.
Understanding CVE-2019-19074
What is CVE-2019-19074?
The vulnerability is located in drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath9k/wmi.c and is identified as CID-728c1e2a05e4.
The Impact of CVE-2019-19074
Exploiting this vulnerability can result in a denial of service attack by causing excessive memory consumption.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-19074
Vulnerability Description
The ath9k_wmi_cmd() function in the Linux kernel through version 5.3.11 has a memory leak issue.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Linux kernel versions up to 5.3.11
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger a denial of service attack by consuming excessive memory.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers
- Monitor system resources for unusual memory consumption
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version
- Implement proper memory management practices
Patching and Updates
- Keep the Linux kernel up to date with the latest security patches