CVE-2003-0984 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Real time clock (RTC) routines in Linux kernel 2.4.23 and earlier do not properly initialize their structures, which could leak kernel data to user space.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0984 resides within the real time clock rtc routines of the linux kernel version 2.4.23 and earlier releases. This issue represents a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from improper initialization of kernel structures during rtc operations. The vulnerability affects the fundamental timekeeping mechanisms that are essential for system operation across all linux distributions utilizing these kernel versions.
The technical flaw manifests when rtc subsystem routines fail to properly initialize their internal data structures before exposing them to user space applications. This improper initialization creates a scenario where uninitialized memory segments containing kernel data, potentially including sensitive information such as kernel stack contents, memory layout information, or other confidential data, become accessible to unprivileged user processes. The vulnerability specifically targets the rtc ioctl interface and related system calls that facilitate communication between user space applications and the kernel's time management subsystem. According to CWE-248, this represents an exposure of uninitialized data, while the ATT&CK framework categorizes this under privilege escalation techniques through information gathering and data exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides potential attackers with valuable kernel memory contents that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker with access to a system running an affected kernel version could exploit this vulnerability to gain insights into kernel memory layout, potentially enabling kernel exploitation techniques such as information leakage attacks or bypassing security mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level and affects core system functionality, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attempts. The leak of kernel data to user space creates an information advantage that could be exploited to craft more targeted attacks against the system's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-0984 primarily focus on upgrading to patched kernel versions where the rtc initialization routines have been corrected. System administrators should immediately update to kernel versions 2.4.24 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper structure initialization. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. The fix involves ensuring that all rtc data structures are properly initialized before being exposed to user space, eliminating the possibility of uninitialized memory contents being leaked. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual rtc access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while system hardening practices such as kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries should be implemented to provide additional defense layers against potential exploitation of this and related vulnerabilities.