CVE-2004-0133 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The XFS file system code in Linux 2.4.x has an information leak in which in-memory data is written to the device for the XFS file system, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the raw device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0133 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the XFS file system implementation of Linux kernel versions 2.4.x. This issue manifests as an information leak where sensitive in-memory data becomes accessible through direct device access, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing XFS file systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the kernel's handling of XFS file system operations and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in memory management and data protection mechanisms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of memory buffers during XFS file system operations. When the kernel processes certain file system calls, it fails to properly clear or sanitize memory regions before writing data to the underlying storage device. This occurs particularly during operations that involve file creation, modification, or deletion within XFS file systems. The flaw creates a scenario where remnants of sensitive data such as passwords, cryptographic keys, or system credentials may persist in memory and subsequently get written to disk, making them accessible to local attackers who can read the raw device directly. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and data isolation that operating systems must maintain to prevent unauthorized information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information leakage to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Local users who can access the raw device can exploit this flaw to extract sensitive information from memory that was previously used for system operations. The vulnerability affects all Linux systems running kernel versions 2.4.x with XFS file systems enabled, making it particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of these kernel versions during the early 2000s. Attackers can leverage this information to gain insights into system configurations, user credentials, or other sensitive data that may be stored in memory buffers. This information can then be used to facilitate further attacks or compromise system security. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as local access to the device is sufficient to read the leaked information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0133 focus primarily on kernel updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Linux kernel versions that contain the appropriate patches addressing the memory handling issues in the XFS implementation. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting local device access through proper file system permissions and monitoring for unauthorized raw device access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management can lead to security vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers can leverage the leaked information to gain further system access. Organizations should also implement regular security audits and ensure that all systems are running patched kernel versions to prevent exploitation of this and similar information disclosure vulnerabilities.