CVE-2019-3837 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability was discovered in the net_dma code within tcp_recvmsg() in the RHEL6 kernel version 2.6.32. This vulnerability exposes a thread-unsafety issue, potentially leading to memory leakage, host crashes, denial-of-service, or memory corruption.

Understanding CVE-2019-3837

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the Linux kernel affecting RHEL6.

What is CVE-2019-3837?

The vulnerability in the net_dma code within tcp_recvmsg() in the RHEL6 kernel version 2.6.32 can result in memory leakage, host crashes, denial-of-service, or memory corruption.

The Impact of CVE-2019-3837

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.1, with a medium severity rating. It can lead to high availability impact, low integrity impact, and requires low privileges for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-3837

This section provides technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the net_dma code within tcp_recvmsg() in the RHEL6 kernel version 2.6.32 exposes a thread-unsafety issue.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Kernel
Vendor: The Linux Foundation
Versions Affected: 2.6.32 as shipped in RHEL6

Exploitation Mechanism

If an unprivileged userspace application with multiple threads simultaneously calls recvmsg() for the same network socket on ioatdma-enabled hardware with net_dma enabled, it may lead to memory leakage, host crashes, denial-of-service, or memory corruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-3837 is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable net_dma in affected systems if not required
Apply vendor patches and updates promptly

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update kernel versions
Implement least privilege access controls

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by The Linux Foundation or Red Hat
Keep systems up to date with the latest security fixes