CVE-2019-19061 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A memory leak vulnerability in the adis_update_scan_mode_burst() function in the Linux kernel before version 5.3.9, identified as CID-9c0530e898f3, could be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service by consuming excessive memory.

Understanding CVE-2019-19061

This CVE involves a memory leak vulnerability in a specific function within the Linux kernel, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2019-19061?

The adis_update_scan_mode_burst() function in drivers/iio/imu/adis_buffer.c in the Linux kernel prior to version 5.3.9 has a memory leak vulnerability. Attackers could exploit this flaw to trigger a denial of service by consuming excessive memory.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19061

The vulnerability could allow malicious actors to exhaust system memory, leading to a denial of service condition. This could disrupt system operations and potentially cause system crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19061

This section provides more detailed technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the adis_update_scan_mode_burst() function in drivers/iio/imu/adis_buffer.c in the Linux kernel before version 5.3.9, allowing attackers to exploit a memory leak.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Linux kernel versions prior to 5.3.9 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by repeatedly invoking the adis_update_scan_mode_burst() function, causing memory to be allocated but not properly deallocated, leading to memory exhaustion.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19061 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patches provided by the Linux kernel to mitigate the memory leak vulnerability.
Monitor system memory usage closely to detect any abnormal spikes that could indicate a potential denial of service attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update the Linux kernel to the latest stable version to ensure all security patches are applied.
Implement proper memory management practices in software development to prevent memory leaks and vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Update the Linux kernel to version 5.3.9 or later to address the memory leak vulnerability in the adis_update_scan_mode_burst() function.