CVE-2004-0658 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the hpsb_alloc_packet function (incorrectly reported as alloc_hpsb_packet) in IEEE 1394 (Firewire) driver 2.4 and 2.6 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via the functions (1) raw1394_write, (2) state_connected, (3) handle_remote_request, or (4) hpsb_make_writebpacket.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0658 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the IEEE 1394 (FireWire) driver implementation in Linux kernel versions 2.4 and 2.6. This issue specifically affects the hpsb_alloc_packet function which is responsible for memory allocation operations within the FireWire subsystem. The flaw occurs when the driver processes certain input parameters that are subsequently used to calculate memory allocation sizes, leading to improper integer arithmetic that can result in memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core kernel driver functionality and can be exploited through multiple entry points within the FireWire subsystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking and integer overflow conditions within the packet allocation logic. When the raw1394_write, state_connected, handle_remote_request, or hpsb_make_writebpacket functions process user-supplied data, they pass parameters to hpsb_alloc_packet without adequate validation of input values. This allows an attacker to manipulate the allocation size calculation through carefully crafted input data that causes the integer arithmetic to overflow, resulting in a buffer that is either too small to accommodate the requested data or potentially causes memory corruption. The flaw aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper integer handling in kernel space code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially enabling arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. Local users with access to the FireWire subsystem can exploit this condition to cause system crashes through kernel memory corruption, but more critically, they can potentially leverage the overflow to execute malicious code with kernel privileges. This represents a significant escalation from a simple DoS condition to a privilege escalation vulnerability. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerable functions are accessible through multiple kernel interfaces, making exploitation more likely and potentially more effective. The vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1499, covering 'Endpoint Denial of Service' through kernel-level attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates to patched versions that properly handle integer overflow conditions in the FireWire driver. System administrators should ensure that all affected kernel versions are updated to include proper bounds checking and integer overflow protections within the hpsb_alloc_packet function. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at the kernel level for all FireWire-related operations can help prevent malicious input from triggering the overflow condition. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust kernel memory management practices and proper integer arithmetic handling in system-critical code paths. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user access to FireWire interfaces where possible, reducing the attack surface for this particular vulnerability.