CVE-2019-18813 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
A memory leak in the dwc3_pci_probe() function in drivers/usb/dwc3/dwc3-pci.c in the Linux kernel through 5.3.9 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) by triggering platform_device_add_properties() failures, aka CID-9bbfceea12a8.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18813 represents a critical memory management flaw within the Linux kernel's USB device controller driver subsystem. This issue resides in the dwc3_pci_probe() function located in drivers/usb/dwc3/dwc3-pci.c, affecting all Linux kernel versions through 5.3.9. The flaw manifests as a memory leak that occurs when platform_device_add_properties() function calls fail during the device probe process, creating a condition where allocated memory resources are not properly released back to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the USB DWC3 (DesignWare USB 3.0 Controller) PCI driver initialization sequence. When platform_device_add_properties() encounters failures during device property registration, the kernel fails to execute proper cleanup routines that would normally release previously allocated memory blocks. This memory leak occurs repeatedly each time the faulty probe sequence is triggered, leading to progressive memory consumption that can eventually exhaust available system resources. The vulnerability specifically targets the USB 3.0 controller driver infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous in systems where USB devices are frequently connected and disconnected or where multiple USB controllers are present.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute a denial of service attack by repeatedly triggering the memory leak condition. The attacker can cause sustained memory consumption that gradually depletes system resources, potentially leading to system instability, application crashes, or complete system hangs. The memory leak is particularly concerning in embedded systems, servers, or devices where continuous operation is critical, as it can cause unexpected service interruptions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be triggered through normal USB device operations, making it a significant threat vector for both local and remote attackers. This flaw aligns with CWE-401: Improper Release of Memory and follows ATT&CK technique T1499.004: Endpoint Denial of Service to establish persistent resource exhaustion conditions.
The recommended mitigation strategies include applying the official kernel patches released by the Linux kernel development team for versions 5.3.10 and later, which implement proper error handling and memory cleanup routines in the dwc3_pci_probe() function. System administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory consumption patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should prioritize kernel updates and maintain robust patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive timely security fixes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper resource management in kernel space drivers and highlights the need for comprehensive error handling mechanisms in critical system components.