CVE-2019-20808 : Security Advisory and Response

In version 4.1.0 of QEMU, a vulnerability was discovered in the ATI VGA implementation that leads to an out-of-bounds read, specifically in the ati_cursor_define() function when handling MMIO write operations through the ati_mm_write() callback. An attacker could exploit this to crash the QEMU process, causing a denial of service.

Understanding CVE-2019-20808

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the QEMU virtualization software.

What is CVE-2019-20808?

CVE-2019-20808 is a vulnerability in QEMU version 4.1.0 related to the ATI VGA implementation, allowing an attacker to trigger an out-of-bounds read.

The Impact of CVE-2019-20808

The vulnerability could be exploited by a malicious actor to crash the QEMU process, leading to a denial of service attack.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-20808

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

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in QEMU 4.1.0 involves an out-of-bounds read flaw in the ATI VGA implementation, specifically in the ati_cursor_define() routine.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating MMIO write operations through the ati_mm_write() callback, allowing an attacker to crash the QEMU process.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-20808 requires specific actions to mitigate the risk.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant patches or updates provided by QEMU promptly.
Monitor security advisories for any new information or patches related to this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

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

Patching and Updates

Ensure that QEMU is updated to a version that addresses the CVE-2019-20808 vulnerability.