CVE-2019-9501 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Broadcom wl WiFi driver is susceptible to a heap buffer overflow vulnerability, allowing remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause denial-of-service situations.

Understanding CVE-2019-9501

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Broadcom wl WiFi driver that can be exploited through a heap buffer overflow.

What is CVE-2019-9501?

The vulnerability arises when a vendor information element with a data length exceeding 32 bytes triggers a heap buffer overflow in wlc_wpa_sup_eapol. This can enable unauthenticated remote attackers to run arbitrary code on vulnerable systems or lead to denial-of-service scenarios.

The Impact of CVE-2019-9501

The severity of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH, with a CVSS base score of 7.9. It affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, requiring no special privileges for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-9501

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

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WiFi drivers
Vendor: Broadcom
Version: wl

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through a heap buffer overflow triggered by a vendor information element with excessive data length.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2019-9501, the following steps can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor patches or updates promptly.
Monitor vendor communications for security advisories.
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing.
Educate users on safe computing practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure all relevant patches and updates are applied to affected systems and devices.