SecPod

Learn Search

Search across all Learn content

← Back to Security Research
ALERT: Linux Kernel Bug allows Full System Takeover (CVE-2019-17666)

ALERT: Linux Kernel Bug allows Full System Takeover (CVE-2019-17666)

Oct 20, 2019By Vidita V Koushik2 min read

A critical vulnerability was discovered in the Linux Kernel which allows attackers to crash the operating system or completely take over the operating system. Researchers claim that this bug exists since at least 2015. This vulnerability discovered by Nico Waisman, principal security engineer at Github by using a vulnerability scanning tool.

The Linux Kernel Bug resides in the ‘rtlwifi‘ driver component of Realtek Wi-Fi modules used in Linux devices for establishing communication with the Linux operating system. The vulnerability tracked as CVE-2019-17666 and is classified as buffer overflow. The issue affects a power-saving feature known as Notice of Absence in rtlwifi driver. The flaw exists while parsing Notice of Absence frames due to lack of certain upper bound check. An attacker could use maliciously crafted packets with incorrect lengths to trigger the flaw. Also, auto patching can be of help here to patch this vulnerability.

The devices using a Realtek chip with WiFi turned ON deemed vulnerable. This vulnerability triggered only when the vulnerable device is in the radio range of a malicious device.

The Linux developers proposed a fix which incorporated into the OS kernel in a few days.

Affected Products by Linux Kernel Bug

Linux kernel through 5.3.6

Impact

Successful exploitation allows an attacker to crash the operating system or take over the operating system.

Solution

While there is no workaround or remediation available currently, we will continue to monitor this vulnerability and update as and when a fix is available.

Featured Posts

Open Silent Lynx Hits CIS Governments With WinRAR Flaw
threat intelligenceSilent Lynx Hits CIS Governments With WinRAR Flaw

CVE Research

Silent Lynx Hits CIS Governments With WinRAR Flaw

Silent Lynx (UAT-6275 / TAG-193) is a cyber-espionage actor targeting government organizations across the Commonwealth of Independent States. From June 2025 through August 2026, the group used four infection chains, including macro-enabled documents, PS2EXE downloaders, LNK-based PowerShell loaders, and WinRAR archives that exploit CVE-2025-8088, to deploy custom reverse shells such as FoalShell, Chvost, Laplas, and PickleShell. Activity spans nine countries and focuses on diplomacy, economic development, environmental management, water resources, and energy. This article summarizes the campaign’s delivery methods, infrastructure exposure, indicators of compromise, and practical mitigations for defenders.

Oct 16, 2026

Open Drupal Fixes Critical Field UI Flaw Linked to Remote Code Execution
Drupal Fixes Critical Field UI Flaw Linked to Remote Code Execution

CVE Research

Drupal Fixes Critical Field UI Flaw Linked to Remote Code Execution

A critical vulnerability in Drupal core's Field UI module could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable websites through exposed contributed modules or custom code. Tracked as CVE-2026-108097, the flaw stems from improper validation of PHP callbacks during table rendering. At least one known exploitation path does not require authentication, potentially putting affected websites at risk of server compromise.

Oct 16, 2026

Open Palo Alto PAN-OS Vulnerability CVE-2026-0322 Could Allow Root-Level Code Execution
vulnerability researchPalo Alto PAN-OS Vulnerability CVE-2026-0322 Could Allow Root-Level Code Execution

CVE Research

Palo Alto PAN-OS Vulnerability CVE-2026-0322 Could Allow Root-Level Code Execution

Oct 15, 2026

Open Cisco Secure Email Gateway Under Attack: Critical CVE-2026-76519 Enables Arbitrary File Write
vulnerability researchCisco Secure Email Gateway Under Attack: Critical CVE-2026-76519 Enables Arbitrary File Write

CVE Research

Cisco Secure Email Gateway Under Attack: Critical CVE-2026-76519 Enables Arbitrary File Write

Oct 15, 2026