CVE-2019-19378

Description

A flaw was found in the BTRFS implementation in the Linux kernel. A slab-out-of-bounds write occurs when an attacker can mount a specially crafted BTRFS disk or disk image.

Statement

This issue is considered as having Low impact because it needs physical access to trigger and it's also in Technology Preview functionality. For more information regarding BTRFS support in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 and 7 refer to https://access.redhat.com/solutions/197643 .

Mitigation

As the BTRFS module will be auto-loaded when required, its use can be disabled by preventing the module from loading with the following instructions:

# echo "install btrfs /bin/true" >> /etc/modprobe.d/disable-btrfs.conf

The system will need to be restarted if the BTRFS modules are loaded, it may be possible to unload them. In most circumstances, the BTRFS kernel modules will be unable to be unloaded while any BTRFS filesystems are mounted or in use.

If the system requires this module to work correctly, this mitigation may not be suitable.

If you need further assistance, see KCS article https://access.redhat.com/solutions/41278 or contact Red Hat Global Support Services.

Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details

Info alert:Important note

CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).

The following CVSS metrics and score provided are preliminary and subject to review.

CVSS v3 Score Breakdown

Red HatNVDcve.org
Base Score7.87.87.8
Attack VectorLocalLocalLocal
Attack ComplexityLowLowLow
Privileges RequiredNoneNoneNone
User InteractionRequiredRequiredRequired
ScopeUnchangedUnchangedUnchanged
ConfidentialityHighHighHigh
Integrity ImpactHighHighHigh
Availability ImpactHighHighHigh

Vector

Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Red Hat CVSS v3 Score Explanation

In this case, the write seems to be to another entry on the slab, while this is not controlled a dedicated attacker could align this to a value needed to be manipulated.

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Integrity

Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands

Write operations could cause memory corruption. In some cases, an adversary can modify control data such as return addresses in order to execute unexpected code.

Availability

Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart

Attempting to access out-of-range, invalid, or unauthorized memory could cause the product to crash.

Other

Technical Impact: Unexpected State

Subsequent write operations can produce undefined or unexpected results.

Frequently Asked Questions

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