Denial of Service Vulnerability in Linux Kernel - CVE-2019-12381
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2019-12381: An issue was discovered in ip_ra_control in net/ipv4/ip_sockglue.c in the Linux kernel through 5.1.5. 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 core component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources and providing essential services to applications. It is widely used across various devices, from servers to embedded systems. The kernel's stability and security are paramount, as vulnerabilities can lead to severe system failures or unauthorized access. This specific vulnerability, identified as CVE-2019-12381, affects the kernel's handling of network requests, potentially leading to denial of service.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2019-12381 is a vulnerability found in the ip_ra_control function within the Linux kernel, specifically in the file net/ipv4/ip_sockglue.c. The issue arises from an unchecked kmalloc allocation for new_ra, which could allow an attacker to trigger a NULL pointer dereference, resulting in a system crash. Although the vulnerability is disputed due to the fact that new_ra is not utilized if it is NULL, the potential for denial of service remains a concern, especially in environments where stability is critical.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit exposure to this vulnerability by configuring firewall rules to restrict access to vulnerable network services or by disabling specific features that may trigger the vulnerability until a patch is applied.
Conclusion
CVE-2019-12381 represents a significant vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to denial of service. It is crucial for users to update their systems to the latest patched version of the kernel to ensure security and stability. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities effectively.
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FAQ
CVE-2019-12381 is a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could lead to a denial of service due to a NULL pointer dereference.
You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability.
The primary impact of CVE-2019-12381 is a denial of service, which can cause system crashes and disrupt services.
Yes, a patch is available. Users should update their Linux kernel to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
If you cannot apply the patch immediately, consider implementing firewall rules to limit access to vulnerable services as a temporary workaround.
References
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