Linux Kernel ip6_ra_control Function NULL Pointer Dereference Vulnerability [CVE-2019-12378]

CVE Number – CVE-2019-12378

A vulnerability in the Linux Kernel could allow a local attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on a targeted system. The vulnerability is due to a NULL pointer dereference condition in the ip6_ra_control function, as defined in the net/ipv6/ipv6_sockglue.c source code file of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by triggering a memory allocation error on the targeted system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to cause a NULL pointer dereference condition, resulting in a DoS condition on the targeted system. Proof-of-concept (PoC) code that demonstrates an exploit of this vulnerability is publicly available.Kernel.org has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.

Analysis

• To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have user-level access to the system. This access requirement could reduce the likelihood of a successful exploit.

Safeguards

• Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to access local systems.Administrators are advised to allow only privileged users to access administration or management systems.Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.

Vendor Announcements

• Kernel.org has released a git commit at the following link: commit 95baa60a0da80a0143e3ddd4d3725758b4513825

Fixed Software

• Kernel.org has released a software patch at the following link: ipv6_sockglue: Fix a missing-check bug in ip6_ra_control()