#VU22567 Race condition in Linux kernel - CVE-2019-18683

Vulnerability identifier: #VU22567

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 4.4 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-18683

CWE-ID: CWE-362

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 race condition, caused by wrong mutex locking in vivid_stop_generating_vid_cap(), vivid_stop_generating_vid_out(), sdr_cap_stop_streaming(), and the corresponding kthreads. A local user can exploit the race and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information and escalate privileges on the system.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability requires access to /dev/video0.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Linux kernel: 5.3.1 - 5.3.8

---

External links
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/11/05/1
https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20191103221719.27118-1-alex.popov@linux.com/
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/11/02/1
https://www.ptsecurity.com/ww-en/analytics/threatscape/pt-2019-05/

---

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.