Linux Kernel atalk_proc_exit Function Use-After-Free Vulnerability [CVE-2019-15292]

CVE number – CVE-2019-15292

A vulnerability in the Linux Kernel could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on a targeted system.

The vulnerability is due to a use-after-free condition that exists in the atalk_proc_exit function of the affected software. The vulnerability is related to the anet/appletalk/atalk_proc.c, anet/appletalk/ddp.c, and anet/appletalk/sysctl_net_atalk.c source code files. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a request that submits malicious input to the targeted system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a DoS condition.

Kernel.org has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

Analysis

• To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must send a request that submits malicious input to the targeted system, making exploitation more difficult in environments that restrict network access from untrusted sources.

Safeguards

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
  
  Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
  
  Administrators are advised to run both firewall and antivirus applications to minimize the potential of inbound and outbound threats.
  
  Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
  
  Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.
  
  Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.

Vendor Announcements

• Kernel.org has released a changelog at the following link: Kernel ChangeLog-5.0.9

Fixed Software

• Kernel.org has released software updates at the following link: Kernel 5.0.9 and appletalk: Fix use-after-free in atalk_proc_exit