CVE-2019-0161 in EDK II
Summary
by MITRE
Stack overflow in XHCI for EDK II may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0161 represents a critical stack overflow condition within the Extensible Host Controller Interface implementation for EDK II firmware environments. This flaw exists in the XHCI driver component that manages USB host controller operations and is particularly concerning due to its potential for enabling denial of service attacks through local access vectors. The issue manifests when processing specific USB protocol data structures that are handled by the XHCI driver during device enumeration and communication processes. The stack overflow occurs during the parsing of USB endpoint descriptors or other host controller data structures that are part of the standard USB 3.0 protocol implementation within the EDK II framework. This vulnerability affects systems running firmware based on EDK II version 2018.05 and earlier, where the XHCI driver implementation contains insufficient input validation and bounds checking mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires local access to a system running affected firmware, as the attack vector is limited to physical presence or administrative access. An attacker with local privileges can craft malicious USB device descriptors or manipulate USB communication sequences that trigger the stack overflow condition. The flaw specifically occurs when the XHCI driver processes endpoint configuration data that exceeds expected buffer sizes, causing the stack memory to overflow and potentially corrupt adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local system vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or cause system instability. The stack overflow can result in immediate system crashes or more subtle memory corruption that may allow for privilege escalation or persistent denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0161 extends beyond simple system crashes, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to establish persistent access or cause system-wide service interruptions. In enterprise environments where USB devices are frequently connected and disconnected, this vulnerability could be exploited to repeatedly disrupt system operations or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on EDK II firmware implementations for USB host controller management, including servers, workstations, and embedded systems that utilize USB 3.0 connections. Organizations running affected firmware versions face significant risk of service disruption, particularly in environments where USB connectivity is essential for system operations. The vulnerability's local access requirement means that physical security controls and access restrictions become critical factors in mitigating this threat. Additionally, the stack overflow could potentially be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to create more sophisticated attack vectors, making it essential for organizations to implement comprehensive firmware update strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0161 primarily focus on firmware updates from vendors who have addressed this specific stack overflow condition. System administrators should prioritize updating EDK II firmware implementations to versions that include proper bounds checking and input validation for USB endpoint data structures. The remediation process involves applying vendor-specific patches or firmware updates that correct the buffer overflow handling in the XHCI driver implementation. Organizations should also implement strict USB device access controls and monitoring to detect anomalous USB activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of local exploitation by restricting physical access to critical systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual system crashes or restart patterns that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The implementation of secure boot processes and firmware integrity checks can provide additional layers of protection against unauthorized firmware modifications that might exploit this or similar vulnerabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments and firmware inventory management are essential practices for maintaining system security posture against known issues like CVE-2019-0161.