CVE-2019-19052 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2023
A memory leak in the gs_can_open() function in drivers/net/can/usb/gs_usb.c in the Linux kernel before 5.3.11 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption) by triggering usb_submit_urb() failures, aka CID-fb5be6a7b486.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19052 represents a critical memory management flaw within the Linux kernel's CAN (Controller Area Network) USB driver implementation. This issue specifically affects the gs_usb.c driver file which handles communication with USB-based CAN devices. The vulnerability manifests when the gs_can_open() function fails to properly release allocated memory resources during error conditions, creating a persistent memory leak that can be exploited by malicious actors to consume system resources.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of USB transfer requests within the kernel's USB subsystem. When usb_submit_urb() operations fail during the initialization process of CAN USB devices, the gs_can_open() function does not adequately clean up previously allocated memory structures. This failure pattern creates a memory leak that accumulates over time as multiple failed USB operations occur, leading to progressive memory consumption that can eventually exhaust available system resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where memory management is critical for overall system stability and performance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple resource exhaustion, as it can be leveraged to execute a denial of service attack against systems running affected kernel versions. Attackers can repeatedly trigger USB communication failures to cause continuous memory leaks, ultimately rendering the system unstable or unresponsive. This type of attack is particularly relevant in embedded systems and automotive environments where CAN communication is critical for vehicle operations, as it could potentially compromise vehicle safety systems. The vulnerability affects all Linux kernel versions prior to 5.3.11, making it a widespread concern for organizations maintaining legacy systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19052 primarily focus on kernel version updates to 5.3.11 or later, which contain the necessary patches to properly handle memory cleanup during USB communication failures. System administrators should prioritize updating affected systems to prevent exploitation, particularly in environments where CAN USB devices are actively used. Additional protective measures include implementing monitoring systems to detect unusual memory consumption patterns and establishing robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-401, which categorizes memory leaks as a common weakness in software design, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.001 for resource exhaustion attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack vectors targeting USB communication interfaces.