NULL Pointer Dereference in Linux Kernel (CVE-2019-16233)

linux Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

11/09/2019

Disclosed on

N/A

Severity

No i

Fix available

Medium

Severity

4.1

CVSS Score

CVE-2019-16233: drivers/scsi/qla2xxx/qla_os.c in the Linux kernel 5.2.14 does not check the alloc_workqueue return value, leading to a NULL pointer dereference. Affects linux versions 5.10.103-1 – 6.9.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Linux kernel is a widely used open-source operating system kernel that serves as the foundation for various Linux distributions. It provides essential functionality for the operating system, including device drivers, memory management, and process scheduling. The qla2xxx driver in the Linux kernel is responsible for managing QLogic Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs). These HBAs enable communication between servers and storage devices over Fibre Channel networks. However, a vulnerability in the qla2xxx driver can lead to a NULL pointer dereference, potentially causing a system crash or other adverse effects.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability (CVE-2019-16233) originates from the qla_os.c file in the qla2xxx driver of the Linux kernel version 5.2.14. The driver fails to check the return value of the alloc_workqueue function, resulting in a NULL pointer dereference. An attacker with local access and certain privileges could exploit this vulnerability to crash the system or potentially execute arbitrary code. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as unimportant, with a CVSSv3 score of 4.1.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

No specific workaround has been provided for this vulnerability. It is advised to follow the recommended fix and update the Linux kernel to a patched version.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in the qla2xxx driver of the Linux kernel can result in a NULL pointer dereference, potentially leading to a system crash or arbitrary code execution. It is crucial to update the Linux kernel to a version that includes the necessary patches to mitigate this vulnerability. Regularly checking for updates and promptly applying them is essential for maintaining the security of Linux systems. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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