CVE-2004-0535 in Mandrake Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The e1000 driver for Linux kernel 2.4.26 and earlier does not properly initialize memory before using it, which allows local users to read portions of kernel memory. NOTE: this issue was originally incorrectly reported as a "buffer overflow" by some sources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2019
The e1000 network driver vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Linux kernel's network subsystem that affects versions 2.4.26 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper memory initialization practices within the driver code, specifically in how the driver handles memory allocation and usage during network packet processing. The flaw manifests when the driver fails to properly clear or initialize memory regions before utilizing them for network operations, creating potential information disclosure channels that can be exploited by local attackers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-1286, which describes improper initialization of data structures, and more specifically relates to CWE-125, which covers out-of-bounds read conditions. The e1000 driver, responsible for managing Intel 82540 and related network interface cards, contains logic that does not adequately clear memory buffers before reuse. When network packets are processed and memory is allocated for packet handling, the driver fails to ensure that previously used memory regions contain only legitimate data, leaving residual kernel memory contents accessible to unauthorized processes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local privilege escalation attacks where malicious users can read kernel memory contents, potentially exposing sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data stored in kernel space. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers can leverage this weakness to gain deeper insights into the system's internal state and potentially identify additional vulnerabilities. This weakness particularly affects systems running older kernel versions where memory management practices were less rigorous and security considerations were not as comprehensive as modern implementations.
The attack vector requires local system access, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a remote exploit. However, the implications are significant as local attackers can potentially compromise the entire system by accessing kernel memory. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management practices in kernel space code and highlights how seemingly minor initialization flaws can create substantial security risks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including kernel updates to versions 2.4.27 and later, where the memory initialization issues have been addressed. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing access controls and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be used to gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. The flaw also underscores the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the Linux Kernel Security documentation and adhering to proper input validation and memory management protocols that align with industry standards and security frameworks.