CVE-2019-14898
📋 TL;DR
This CVE is an incomplete fix for CVE-2019-11599 in the Linux kernel, allowing local users to trigger a race condition with mmget_not_zero or get_task_mm calls. This can lead to information disclosure, denial of service, or other unspecified impacts. Systems running Linux kernel versions before 5.0.10 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Linux kernel
📦 What is this software?
Linux Kernel by Linux
The Linux Kernel is the core component of the Linux operating system, serving as the critical interface between computer hardware and software processes. As the heart of millions of servers, cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, Android devices, and IoT deployments worldwide, the Linux Kernel mana...
Learn more about Linux Kernel →⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local privilege escalation leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent denial of service.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of kernel memory contents or system instability/crashes.
If Mitigated
Limited impact due to local-only exploitation requirement and proper access controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and race condition triggering. Project Zero has published details.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Linux kernel 5.0.10 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-14898
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to version 5.0.10 or later. 2. For distributions: Use package manager (apt/yum/dnf) to update kernel package. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
linuxLimit local user accounts and implement strict access controls to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user access controls and monitor for suspicious local activity.
- Use security modules like SELinux or AppArmor to restrict process capabilities.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version with 'uname -r'. If version is before 5.0.10, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify kernel version is 5.0.10 or later with 'uname -r'.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- System crash dumps
- Unusual process behavior in audit logs
Network Indicators:
- No direct network indicators - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Search for kernel panic events or unexpected system reboots in system logs.🔗 References
- https://bugs.chromium.org/p/project-zero/issues/detail?id=1790
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-14898
- https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.14.114
- https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.19.37
- https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.0.10
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20200608-0001/
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuApr2021.html
- https://bugs.chromium.org/p/project-zero/issues/detail?id=1790
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-14898
- https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.14.114
- https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v4.x/ChangeLog-4.19.37
- https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/ChangeLog-5.0.10
- https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20200608-0001/
- https://www.oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuApr2021.html
