CVE-2019-15213 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 5.2.3. There is a use-after-free caused by a malicious USB device in the drivers/media/usb/dvb-usb/dvb-usb-init.c driver.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15213 represents a critical use-after-free flaw within the Linux kernel's USB digital video broadcasting subsystem. This issue affects kernel versions prior to 5.2.3 and specifically resides in the drivers/media/usb/dvb-usb/dvb-usb-init.c file which handles initialization processes for USB DVB devices. The flaw occurs when a maliciously crafted USB device connects to a system running an affected kernel version, creating a scenario where memory previously freed by the kernel's USB subsystem becomes accessible to unauthorized code execution. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of Use After Free, which is classified as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires physical access to a target system through a USB port, making it exploitable in various real-world scenarios including targeted attacks against critical infrastructure or corporate environments. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1021.002 (Remote Services: SMB) through potential post-exploitation activities, though the initial compromise occurs through physical USB insertion. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can enable full system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. When exploited successfully, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing all user-space security controls and protections. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a malicious USB device that can trigger the specific code path within the DVB-USB initialization routine, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted USB devices might be connected to systems. The root cause stems from improper memory management during USB device enumeration and initialization, where the kernel fails to properly validate or handle device state transitions. This flaw demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in kernel space operations, where a single use-after-free error can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Linux distributions and embedded systems that utilize USB DVB functionality, including set-top boxes, media centers, and various networking equipment. Security researchers have noted that the exploitation of this vulnerability can be achieved through carefully crafted USB devices that trigger the specific initialization sequence leading to memory corruption. Mitigation strategies include immediate kernel updates to version 5.2.3 or later, implementing USB device whitelisting policies, disabling USB device support in untrusted environments, and employing kernel module signing verification to prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing USB device monitoring and access control policies to limit the potential impact of such physical access attacks. The vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenges in securing embedded systems and the critical need for robust memory safety practices in kernel development, particularly in subsystems handling external device connections.