CVE-2004-0424 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the ip_setsockopt function in Linux kernel 2.4.22 through 2.4.25 and 2.6.1 through 2.6.3 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) or execute arbitrary code via the MCAST_MSFILTER socket option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0424 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's socket option handling mechanism. This issue specifically affects kernel versions ranging from 2.4.22 through 2.4.25 and 2.6.1 through 2.6.3, creating a persistent security weakness that has significant implications for system stability and security. The vulnerability manifests within the ip_setsockopt function which processes socket options for IP multicast functionality, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where multicast communication is utilized.
The technical flaw occurs when processing the MCAST_MSFILTER socket option, which is used to configure multicast source filters for multicast groups. During this processing, the kernel fails to properly validate or handle integer values that exceed the maximum representable value for signed integers. This integer overflow condition can lead to unpredictable behavior in memory allocation and buffer handling within the kernel's multicast implementation. When malicious users exploit this vulnerability through crafted socket option parameters, the overflow can cause memory corruption that results in kernel crashes or potentially allows for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential arbitrary code execution capabilities. Local users who can access the system and execute code with sufficient privileges can leverage this flaw to crash the kernel, thereby causing system instability and denial of service for legitimate users. More critically, the integer overflow condition could be manipulated to overwrite critical kernel memory structures, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks where unprivileged users could gain elevated system privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for multi-user systems where local access might be available to untrusted parties.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow and underflow conditions, and demonstrates how such fundamental mathematical errors in kernel code can have severe security implications. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and denial of service tactics, as attackers can leverage it to either crash system services or gain elevated privileges within the kernel environment. The exploitation requires local access to the system but does not need network connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local user access is not properly restricted. Organizations should implement immediate patching strategies targeting the affected kernel versions and consider additional security controls such as kernel hardening measures and monitoring for suspicious socket option usage patterns.