#VU21445 Heap-based buffer overflow in Linux kernel - CVE-2019-14815

Vulnerability identifier: #VU21445

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 5.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-14815

CWE-ID: CWE-122

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Linux kernel
Operating systems & Components / Operating system

Vendor: Linux Foundation

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the mwifiex_set_uap_rates() function in the Marvell Wi-Fi chip driver in Linux kernel. A local user can run a specially crafted application to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the system with elevated privileges.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's repository.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: 4.4.0 - 4.4.193, 4.9 - 4.9.193, 4.14.0 rc1 - 4.19.74, 5.2 - 5.2.16

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External links
https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.2.17
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.9.194
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.4.194
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.19.75
https://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.14.146
https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.3

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.