CVE-2019-15099: Null Pointer Dereference

Published Aug 16, 2019
·
Updated

A flaw in the Linux kernels implementation of the ath10k USB device driver could allow an attacker with the ability to plug in custom-crafted hardware to create a null pointer dereference via an incomplete address in an endpoint descriptor.

This will crash the system.

Upstream Patch:

https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux.git/commit/?id=bfd6e6e6c5d2ee43a3d9902b36e01fc7527ebb27

Other sources

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.

drivers/net/wireless/ath/ath10k/usb.c in the Linux kernel through 5.2.8 has a NULL pointer dereference via an incomplete address in an endpoint descriptor.

Affected Software

12 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/kernel-alt<0:4.14.0-115.19.1.el7a
0:4.14.0-115.19.1.el7a
redhat/kernel-rt<0:4.18.0-193.rt13.51.el8
0:4.18.0-193.rt13.51.el8
redhat/kernel<0:4.18.0-193.el8
0:4.18.0-193.el8
Linux Linux kernel>=4.14<4.14.157
Linux Linux kernel>=4.15<4.19.87
Linux Linux kernel>=4.20<5.3.14
Linux Linux kernel>=5.4.0<5.4.1
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=14.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=18.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=19.10
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-1

Remediation

Information

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.

Event History

Aug 16, 2019
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:15 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:15 AM
Description
Aug 20, 2019
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·08:28 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·11:19 PM
Description
Apr 28, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·04:07 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2019-15099?

CVE-2019-15099 is classified as a high severity vulnerability that can lead to system crashes.

2

How do I fix CVE-2019-15099?

To remediate CVE-2019-15099, update your Linux kernel to a patched version, such as 4.14.0-115.19.1.el7a or 4.18.0-193.rt13.51.el8.

3

Which systems are affected by CVE-2019-15099?

CVE-2019-15099 affects certain versions of the Linux kernel, specifically those from 4.14.x to 5.4.0.

4

What impact does CVE-2019-15099 have on my system?

CVE-2019-15099 can cause a null pointer dereference, leading to a crash when a specially crafted device is connected.

5

Who is impacted by CVE-2019-15099?

Users and organizations running vulnerable versions of the Linux kernel could be impacted by CVE-2019-15099.

Contact

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