CVE-2004-1017 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple "overflows" in the io_edgeport driver for Linux kernel 2.4.x have unknown impact and unknown attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The CVE-2004-1017 vulnerability resides within the io_edgeport driver component of the Linux kernel version 2.4.x series, representing a class of buffer overflow conditions that can potentially compromise system integrity and stability. This driver specifically manages communication with edgeport USB-to-serial adapters, which were widely used in industrial and embedded systems for serial communication purposes. The vulnerability manifests through multiple overflow scenarios that occur during the processing of input data from these USB serial devices, creating potential pathways for malicious exploitation that remain poorly understood due to limited public disclosure of attack vectors and specific impact details.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and boundary checking within the kernel driver's handling of data structures associated with USB serial communications. When the io_edgeport driver receives data from connected edgeport devices, it processes this information without sufficient bounds checking, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. These buffer overflow conditions can occur during various operations including device enumeration, data transfer, and configuration parameter handling. The vulnerability's classification as "unknown impact" suggests that the specific consequences of exploitation remain unclear, though such buffer overflows in kernel space typically present severe risks including system crashes, privilege escalation, or arbitrary code execution. The lack of detailed information about attack vectors indicates that the vulnerability may be exploitable through multiple entry points, potentially including malicious device firmware, crafted USB communication sequences, or specific device configuration parameters.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1017 extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable sophisticated attacks against systems running vulnerable kernel versions. In industrial control systems, embedded devices, and embedded Linux platforms where edgeport USB-to-serial adapters are commonly deployed, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The kernel-level nature of the vulnerability means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, as attackers would gain access to the core operating system functions that manage hardware resources and process execution. Additionally, the widespread use of Linux 2.4.x kernels in embedded systems and industrial applications increases the potential attack surface significantly, as these systems often lack the regular security updates and modern mitigation techniques available in contemporary operating systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1017 should focus on immediate kernel updates to versions that contain patched implementations of the io_edgeport driver with proper input validation and buffer management. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to kernel versions that address this vulnerability, as the Linux kernel community has since released patches that correct the buffer overflow conditions through improved boundary checking and memory allocation practices. Organizations using legacy systems running kernel 2.4.x should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while also considering hardware-level protections such as USB device whitelisting to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to critical systems. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-122 for heap-based overflow scenarios that could occur during dynamic memory allocation within the driver's processing functions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could enable initial access through physical device connection, potentially leading to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that would allow attackers to maintain long-term access to affected systems.