Critical Unbounded Memory Copy Vulnerability in U-Boot Package
Summary
CVE-2019-14193: An issue was discovered in Das U-Boot through 2019.07. Affects u-boot across 2 version ranges.
< 2020.01+dfsg-1
< e5aee22e4be75e75a854ab64503fc80598bc2004
Fixed in 2020.01+dfsg-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
U-Boot is a widely used open-source bootloader for embedded systems, enabling the initialization of hardware and loading of operating systems. It is known for its flexibility and support for various architectures. However, the version 2019.07 of U-Boot contains a critical vulnerability that can lead to severe security risks if not addressed.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2019-14193, arises from an unbounded memcpy operation in the nfs_readlink_reply function. This occurs when the length of the new path is calculated without proper validation, allowing an attacker to exploit this flaw. The ramifications include potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, system crashes, or arbitrary code execution, making it a significant threat to systems utilizing this bootloader.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2020.01+dfsg-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade u-bootTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit access to the affected systems and monitor for unusual activity until the package is updated. Additionally, ensure that proper input validation is implemented in custom code that interacts with U-Boot.
Conclusion
CVE-2019-14193 represents a critical vulnerability in the U-Boot bootloader that can have severe consequences if left unaddressed. Users are strongly advised to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate risks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help in monitoring and managing open-source vulnerabilities effectively.
See every vulnerability recorded for u-boot →
FAQ
CVE-2019-14193 is a vulnerability in the U-Boot bootloader that allows for unbounded memory copying, potentially leading to security breaches.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
The impacts include unauthorized access to sensitive data, system crashes, and the possibility of arbitrary code execution.
The CVSS score of CVE-2019-14193 is 9.8, indicating a critical level of severity.
Regularly update your software packages, monitor for vulnerabilities using tools like Vulert, and implement strong access controls.
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