CVE-2019-15099
Description
A null pointer dereference flaw was discovered in the Linux kernel's implementation of the ath10k USB device driver. The vulnerability requires the attacker to plug in a specially crafted hardware device that present endpoint descriptors that normal ath10k devices do not recognize. System availability is the highest threat with this vulnerability.
Mitigation
As the ath10k module will be auto-loaded when required, its use can be disabled by preventing the module from loading using the following instructions.
On the command line, as root, execute the following command:
# echo "install ath10k_usb /bin/true" >> /etc/modprobe.d/disable-ath10k_usb.conf
The system will need to be restarted if the ath10k_usb module are loaded. In most circumstances, the kernel modules will be unable to be unloaded while the ath10k WiFi network interface is 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).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 4.3 | 7.5 | N/A |
| Attack Vector | Physical | Network | N/A |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | N/A |
| Privileges Required | None | None | N/A |
| User Interaction | Required | None | N/A |
| Scope | Unchanged | Unchanged | N/A |
| Confidentiality | None | None | N/A |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | N/A |
| Availability Impact | High | High | N/A |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.0/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Red Hat CVSS v3 Score Explanation
Product Security believes that this attack vector can not take place over the network even though the device is a networked device. The attack requires custom hardware presenting specially crafted endpoint descriptors that normal ath10k devices do not.
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart; DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU); DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory)
An attacker could provide unexpected values and cause a program crash or arbitrary control of resource allocation, leading to excessive consumption of resources such as memory and CPU.
Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Read Memory; Read Files or Directories
An attacker could read confidential data if they are able to control resource references.
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Modify Memory; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
An attacker could use malicious input to modify data or possibly alter control flow in unexpected ways, including arbitrary command execution.
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