CVE-2004-0495 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unknown vulnerabilities in Linux kernel 2.4 and 2.6 allow local users to gain privileges or access kernel memory, as found by the Sparse source code checking tool.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0495 represents a significant security flaw in the Linux kernel versions 2.4 and 2.6 that was discovered through automated static analysis using the Sparse source code checking tool. This finding highlights the critical importance of systematic code analysis in identifying potential security weaknesses that may not be apparent through traditional testing methods. The Sparse tool's ability to detect these multiple unknown vulnerabilities demonstrates how modern static analysis techniques can uncover hidden security issues within kernel code that could be exploited by malicious actors.
These vulnerabilities specifically target the kernel's privilege escalation mechanisms and memory access controls, creating potential pathways for local users to elevate their privileges beyond normal system limitations. The nature of these flaws suggests they may involve improper input validation, buffer overflows, or memory management errors that could allow attackers with minimal system access to gain root privileges or directly access kernel memory spaces. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they operate at the core level of the operating system where any compromise can lead to complete system takeover.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0495 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental weakness in the kernel's security architecture that could enable attackers to bypass critical access controls. Local users who can exploit these vulnerabilities can potentially access sensitive kernel memory regions, read confidential data, modify system behavior, or establish persistent backdoors. The fact that these issues were found in both kernel 2.4 and 2.6 versions indicates they may stem from common code patterns or architectural decisions that were carried forward through multiple releases, making them particularly widespread and concerning.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses "Improper Access to Memory" and CWE-264 which covers "Permissions, Privileges and Access Controls" in software security. The attack patterns associated with such vulnerabilities typically follow the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level access and memory manipulation. Organizations running affected kernel versions face significant risk as these vulnerabilities can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or specialized tools, making them particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible.
The discovery through Sparse analysis underscores the importance of automated code review tools in modern security practices, particularly for critical system components like kernel code. This vulnerability demonstrates how even well-established security practices may miss certain classes of flaws, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing including static analysis, dynamic analysis, and formal verification methods. Security professionals should prioritize patching affected systems immediately and implement additional monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts or unauthorized memory access patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that kernel-level security is paramount and that even seemingly minor code issues can have catastrophic consequences for system integrity and security posture.