CVE-2001-0914 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Linux kernel before 2.4.11pre3 in multiple Linux distributions allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) by starting the core vmlinux kernel, possibly related to poor error checking during ELF loading.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0914 represents a critical flaw in the Linux kernel version 2.4.11pre3 and earlier releases that affects multiple Linux distributions. This issue stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the kernel's ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) loading subsystem, creating a potential vector for local privilege escalation and system instability. The vulnerability specifically targets the core vmlinux kernel component, which serves as the foundation for all kernel operations and system services, making it a prime target for exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests during the process of loading executable files into kernel memory, where the kernel fails to properly validate or handle certain error conditions that occur during ELF file parsing. When a local user executes a specially crafted program that triggers the kernel's ELF loading mechanism, the improper error checking leads to kernel panic conditions and system crashes. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, meaning that successful exploitation does not require network access but rather local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where untrusted users have shell access to systems. The root cause of this issue can be categorized under CWE-248, which deals with exposure of an exception to an unexpected environment, and specifically relates to improper error handling in kernel space operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can be leveraged to create persistent denial of service conditions that may require manual system reboot or administrative intervention to resolve. Attackers can repeatedly trigger this vulnerability to maintain system instability, effectively rendering the affected system unusable for legitimate users and potentially causing data loss or corruption during crash conditions. The vulnerability affects systems running kernel versions prior to 2.4.11pre3, which were widely deployed across enterprise and server environments during the early 2000s, making it a significant concern for system administrators managing legacy infrastructure. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which describes network denial of service, but in this case operates at the local kernel level rather than network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0914 primarily focus on immediate kernel version upgrades to 2.4.11pre3 or later releases, which contain the necessary patches to address the improper error handling during ELF loading. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running older kernel versions that may have been deployed in production environments without proper update schedules. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls to limit local user privileges, monitoring system logs for unusual kernel crash patterns, and establishing robust backup and recovery procedures to minimize downtime during exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel hardening techniques such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries to further reduce the attack surface and make exploitation more difficult. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in kernel space operations and highlights the need for comprehensive testing and validation of system components before deployment in production environments.