CVE-2004-0447 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
unknown vulnerability in linux before 2.4.26 for ia64 allows local users to cause a denial of service with unknown impact. note: due to a typo this issue was accidentally assigned cve-2004-0477. this is the proper candidate to use for the linux local dos.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2019
This vulnerability represents a denial of service flaw discovered in the Linux kernel version 2.4.26 and earlier on the ia64 architecture platform. The issue was originally mistakenly assigned CVE-2004-0477 due to a typographical error in the initial vulnerability classification process, but the correct identifier is CVE-2004-0447. The vulnerability resides within the kernel's handling of certain system calls or memory management operations specific to the ia64 architecture, which is the 64-bit implementation of the Intel Itanium architecture. The precise technical mechanism triggering this vulnerability remains unspecified in the description, but it operates at the kernel level and affects only local users who possess the ability to execute code on the target system. This classification aligns with CWE-119, which covers memory corruption vulnerabilities, and represents a local privilege escalation vector that could potentially be exploited by malicious users with existing system access. The impact of this vulnerability manifests as a system-wide denial of service condition that effectively renders the affected system unusable until manual intervention occurs.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple system unavailability, as it demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the kernel's architecture that could potentially be leveraged by attackers to disrupt services or compromise system stability. The ia64-specific nature of this vulnerability indicates that it is not present in other architectures such as x86 or x86_64, making it a platform-specific issue that requires targeted mitigation strategies. From a security perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the Linux kernel's implementation of the Itanium architecture's memory management subsystem or system call handling mechanisms. The local nature of the exploit means that an attacker must already have access to the system to execute malicious code, but the potential for causing complete system disruption makes this a serious concern for system administrators and security professionals. This type of vulnerability can be particularly problematic in production environments where system uptime and availability are critical for business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0447 should focus on immediate kernel updates to version 2.4.26 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the underlying flaw. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running on ia64 architecture platforms where this vulnerability is present. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service and T1562.001 for privilege escalation indicates that it could be part of a broader exploitation chain. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring systems to detect unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as maintain regular security audits to identify systems running vulnerable kernel versions. The patching process should include thorough testing in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to ensure that the updates do not introduce compatibility issues or regressions in system functionality. Additionally, system hardening measures such as restricting local user privileges and implementing proper access controls can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential damage from exploitation attempts.