CVE-2019-20806 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability was found in the Linux kernel prior to version 5.2, leading to a denial of service due to a NULL pointer dereference in the tw5864_handle_frame() function.

Understanding CVE-2019-20806

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could potentially result in a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2019-20806?

This CVE pertains to a NULL pointer dereference in the tw5864_handle_frame() function within the Linux kernel, specifically in the tw5864-video.c file.

The Impact of CVE-2019-20806

The vulnerability has the potential to cause a denial of service, which could disrupt the normal functioning of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-20806

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is caused by a NULL pointer dereference in the tw5864_handle_frame() function in the Linux kernel, affecting versions prior to 5.2.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Linux kernel versions before 5.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger a denial of service by causing the system to dereference a NULL pointer.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2019-20806, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to version 5.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor security advisories and apply patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the Linux kernel maintainers to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-20806.