CVE-2004-0496 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
multiple unknown vulnerabilities in linux kernel 2.6 allow local users to gain privileges or access kernel memory a different set of vulnerabilities than those identified in cve-2004-0495 as found by the sparse source code checking tool.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0496 represents a collection of previously unknown security flaws within the linux kernel version 2.6 series that were discovered through automated static analysis using the sparse source code checking tool. These vulnerabilities constitute a distinct set from those documented in CVE-2004-0495, indicating that the kernel contained multiple independent security weaknesses that could be exploited by local attackers. The sparse tool's ability to identify these issues demonstrates the effectiveness of automated code analysis in uncovering subtle security flaws that might otherwise remain hidden in complex kernel codebases.
The technical nature of these vulnerabilities lies in their ability to permit local users to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to kernel memory regions. This type of flaw typically stems from improper input validation, buffer overflows, or incorrect privilege checks within kernel space code. The fact that these issues were found through static analysis rather than dynamic testing suggests they may involve subtle coding patterns or logic errors that are difficult to detect through conventional testing methods. Such vulnerabilities often manifest as race conditions, improper access controls, or memory management flaws that can be exploited to bypass kernel security mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, these vulnerabilities present significant risks to systems running affected kernel versions since local users can leverage them to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive kernel memory. This capability allows attackers to potentially compromise the entire system by executing arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, which could lead to complete system takeover. The impact extends beyond individual systems to potentially affect entire network infrastructures where kernel-level attacks could be used as a stepping stone for broader network compromise. The local nature of the exploit means that any user with access to the system can potentially attempt to exploit these vulnerabilities, making them particularly concerning for multi-user environments.
The discovery of these vulnerabilities through sparse static analysis represents a critical advancement in kernel security assessment methodology and aligns with the broader cybersecurity principle of automated vulnerability detection. Organizations should implement immediate patching strategies to address these issues, as they represent direct threats to system integrity and security. The vulnerabilities should be prioritized for remediation in accordance with standard security frameworks that emphasize the importance of addressing kernel-level exploits promptly. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive security posture assessments.
These vulnerabilities demonstrate the complexity and critical nature of kernel security, where even minor coding errors can result in severe privilege escalation capabilities. The sparse tool's identification of these issues highlights the importance of employing multiple security analysis approaches including both static and dynamic analysis techniques. The separate classification from CVE-2004-0495 indicates that kernel security assessment requires comprehensive analysis to identify all potential attack vectors. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for rigorous security practices in kernel development and the importance of continuous security auditing of critical system components. The affected kernel version 2.6 represents a specific timeframe where these issues were present, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date system patches and security updates to protect against known vulnerabilities.