CVE-2004-0094 in X11r6
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness errors in XFree86 4.1.0 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code when using the GLX extension and Direct Rendering Infrastructure (DRI).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0094 represents a critical integer signedness error within the XFree86 4.1.0 graphics subsystem that affects the GLX extension and Direct Rendering Infrastructure implementations. This flaw manifests in the handling of integer values during graphics processing operations, specifically when the system processes signed and unsigned integer values inappropriately during buffer management and memory allocation procedures. The vulnerability stems from improper type handling where signed integers are used in contexts where unsigned integers would be more appropriate, creating conditions where malicious inputs can cause unexpected behavior in the graphics processing pipeline.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers send specially crafted graphics requests through the GLX extension interface, which then triggers the flawed integer handling within the DRI subsystem. When the graphics server processes these requests, the signedness errors cause integer overflows or underflows that can lead to memory corruption, buffer overruns, or invalid memory access patterns. These conditions can result in the graphics server crashing and causing a denial of service, or in more severe cases, allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the graphics server process. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level within the graphics subsystem, providing potential attack vectors that can be leveraged to gain elevated system privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this weakness to cause persistent denial of service conditions that affect graphics rendering capabilities across the entire system, making it particularly problematic in multi-user environments or server configurations where graphics processing is critical. The vulnerability affects systems using XFree86 4.1.0 with GLX and DRI enabled, which was prevalent in many Linux distributions and Unix-like systems during that era, making it a widespread concern for organizations running affected graphics stacks. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that these graphics extensions are commonly enabled by default in many desktop and server configurations, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0094 primarily involve immediate patching of the XFree86 4.1.0 implementation to correct the integer signedness errors in the affected code paths. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of XFree86 or apply vendor-specific security patches that address the specific integer handling issues within the GLX and DRI components. System administrators should also consider disabling GLX and DRI extensions when these features are not required for critical operations, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules can be implemented to restrict access to graphics services, particularly when they are exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-191, which describes integer underflow and overflow conditions, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution of arbitrary code, while also demonstrating characteristics of privilege escalation through system component exploitation. Regular security auditing of graphics subsystems and maintaining updated graphics drivers remains essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in modern systems.