CVE-2004-0619 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the ubsec_keysetup function for Linux Broadcom 5820 cryptonet driver allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a negative add_dsa_buf_bytes variable, which leads to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0619 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the ubsec_keysetup function of the Linux Broadcom 5820 cryptonet driver implementation. This issue specifically manifests when the add_dsa_buf_bytes variable assumes a negative value, creating a dangerous condition that can lead to system instability and potential code execution. The vulnerability resides in the cryptographic subsystem of the Linux kernel, affecting systems that utilize Broadcom's hardware encryption capabilities through the ubsec driver module.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and integer handling within the cryptographic key setup process. When the add_dsa_buf_bytes parameter becomes negative, it triggers an integer overflow condition that subsequently causes a buffer overflow in the memory allocation routine. This occurs because the driver fails to properly validate the range of the add_dsa_buf_bytes variable before using it to calculate buffer sizes or memory allocation offsets. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the cryptographic driver, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable arbitrary code execution within the kernel space. Local attackers can leverage this flaw to crash the system through controlled buffer overflows or, in more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, execute malicious code with kernel-level privileges. The ubsec driver's role in handling cryptographic operations makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems that rely on hardware-accelerated encryption, as it can compromise the entire cryptographic infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernels with the Broadcom 5820 cryptonet driver, potentially impacting enterprise environments where hardware security modules are deployed. Attackers can exploit this through careful manipulation of the add_dsa_buf_bytes variable to trigger the integer overflow condition, leading to system instability and potential privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0619 should focus on immediate patching of the affected driver components and kernel updates to address the integer overflow condition. System administrators must ensure that all instances of the Broadcom 5820 cryptonet driver are updated to versions that properly validate input parameters and prevent negative values from propagating to buffer allocation routines. The fix typically involves implementing proper bounds checking on the add_dsa_buf_bytes variable and ensuring that all integer calculations within the ubsec_keysetup function are protected against overflow conditions. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling the ubsec driver module on systems where it is not essential, as this provides an additional layer of defense against exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in cryptographic operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service through kernel-level exploits, making it a significant concern for defensive security operations that must account for both local and potentially remote exploitation vectors.