CVE-2019-15098 : Security Advisory and Response

A null pointer dereference occurs in the Linux kernel through version 5.2.9 when drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath6kl/usb.c encounters an incomplete address in an endpoint descriptor.

Understanding CVE-2019-15098

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to a null pointer dereference.

What is CVE-2019-15098?

The CVE-2019-15098 vulnerability occurs in the Linux kernel up to version 5.2.9 when a specific driver encounters an incomplete address in an endpoint descriptor, leading to a null pointer dereference.

The Impact of CVE-2019-15098

This vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) or potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-15098

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2019-15098 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath6kl/usb.c file in the Linux kernel up to version 5.2.9, where a NULL pointer dereference occurs due to an incomplete address in an endpoint descriptor.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux kernel versions up to 5.2.9 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious endpoint descriptor to trigger the null pointer dereference.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-15098, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
Monitor official sources for updates and security advisories related to the Linux kernel.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to minimize the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the Linux kernel community.