CVE-2004-0136 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
the mapelf32exec function call in irix 6.5.20 through 6.5.24 allows local users to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a "corrupted binary."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0136 represents a critical denial of service flaw within the IRIX operating system version 6.5.20 through 6.5.24. This issue specifically manifests in the mapelf32exec function which is responsible for handling executable binary files in the ELF32 format. The vulnerability arises when the system encounters a corrupted binary file that triggers improper handling within the kernel execution path, leading to system instability and potential complete system crash. This flaw operates at the kernel level and affects the operating system's ability to properly validate and process executable files, making it particularly dangerous for systems that execute untrusted code or handle multiple binary inputs.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the mapelf32exec function implementation. When processing ELF32 binaries, the system fails to properly validate the binary structure and headers, allowing corrupted or malformed executables to bypass normal safety checks. This lack of proper validation creates a condition where malformed binary data can cause memory corruption or invalid memory access patterns that ultimately result in kernel panics or system crashes. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20, where the system does not adequately check the integrity of input data before processing it. The flaw specifically relates to how the system handles the ELF32 executable format's program headers and section headers, where corrupted metadata can cause the kernel to attempt invalid memory operations during the mapping process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system availability issues, as local users can exploit this weakness to disrupt system operations and potentially compromise system stability. Since the vulnerability operates at the kernel level, any successful exploitation results in immediate system crash and requires manual intervention for recovery. Systems running IRIX versions within the affected range are particularly vulnerable during normal operation when processing executable files, making this a persistent threat to system reliability. The vulnerability is especially concerning in environments where multiple users or applications may execute binaries, as a single corrupted file can bring down an entire system. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which describes system shutdown/reboot attacks, where adversaries can cause system instability through malformed input processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0136 primarily focus on system updates and input validation improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to IRIX versions that have patched this vulnerability, as the original affected versions lack proper error handling for corrupted binaries. System administrators should implement strict binary validation procedures and avoid executing untrusted executables, particularly those with unknown origins. Additional protective measures include implementing proper file integrity checks and monitoring for unusual system crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust kernel input validation as outlined in security best practices, where all user-supplied data should be carefully validated before processing. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring systems that can detect and alert on system crashes that might indicate exploitation of similar input validation flaws, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader system security weaknesses that could be exploited for more advanced attacks.