CVE-2019-25162
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's I2C subsystem. An attacker could potentially exploit this to cause a kernel crash (denial of service) or possibly execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. All Linux systems using vulnerable kernel versions with I2C functionality 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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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
Kernel panic leading to system crash and denial of service, or potential arbitrary code execution with kernel privileges resulting in complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Kernel crash causing system instability or denial of service, requiring a reboot to restore functionality.
If Mitigated
No impact if the vulnerability is not triggered or if systems are properly patched.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and knowledge of I2C subsystem interaction. No public exploits have been documented.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Kernel versions containing the referenced git commits (12b0606000d0828630c033bf0c74c748464fe87d and others)
Vendor Advisory: https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/12b0606000d0828630c033bf0c74c748464fe87d
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel to patched version from your distribution's repositories. 2. For custom kernels, apply the referenced git commits. 3. Reboot system to load new kernel.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable I2C subsystem
linuxIf I2C functionality is not required, disable the I2C kernel modules to prevent exploitation.
modprobe -r i2c_core
echo 'blacklist i2c_core' > /etc/modprobe.d/disable-i2c.conf
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict local user access to systems with vulnerable kernels
- Implement strict process isolation and privilege separation to limit potential impact
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check kernel version and compare with distribution's security advisories. For custom kernels, verify if the specific git commits are present.Check Version:
uname -rVerify Fix Applied:
Verify kernel version after update matches patched version from vendor advisory. For custom kernels, confirm the fix commits are applied.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic messages in /var/log/kern.log or dmesg
- System crash/reboot events
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND ("panic" OR "Oops" OR "general protection fault")🔗 References
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/12b0606000d0828630c033bf0c74c748464fe87d
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/23a191b132cd87f746c62f3dc27da33683d85829
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/35927d7509ab9bf41896b7e44f639504eae08af7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/81cb31756888bb062e92d2dca21cd629d77a46a9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/871a1e94929a27bf6e2cd99523865c840bbc2d87
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e4c72c06c367758a14f227c847f9d623f1994ecf
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e6412ba3b6508bdf9c074d310bf4144afa6aec1a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e8e1a046cf87c8b1363e5de835114f2779e2aaf4
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/12b0606000d0828630c033bf0c74c748464fe87d
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/23a191b132cd87f746c62f3dc27da33683d85829
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/35927d7509ab9bf41896b7e44f639504eae08af7
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/81cb31756888bb062e92d2dca21cd629d77a46a9
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/871a1e94929a27bf6e2cd99523865c840bbc2d87
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e4c72c06c367758a14f227c847f9d623f1994ecf
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e6412ba3b6508bdf9c074d310bf4144afa6aec1a
- https://git.kernel.org/stable/c/e8e1a046cf87c8b1363e5de835114f2779e2aaf4
