CVE-2004-1068 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
a "missing serialization" error in the unix_dgram_recvmsg function in linux 2.4.27 and earlier and 2.6.x up to 2.6.9 allows local users to gain privileges via a race condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1068 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Linux kernel's unix domain socket implementation. This issue affects kernel versions 2.4.27 and earlier, as well as 2.6.x versions up to 2.6.9, specifically targeting the unix_dgram_recvmsg function. The vulnerability stems from a race condition that occurs during the handling of datagram sockets, creating a window where improper serialization of operations allows malicious local users to exploit the system. The flaw manifests when multiple threads or processes attempt to access the same socket resources simultaneously without proper synchronization mechanisms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of socket state transitions and buffer management within the unix domain socket subsystem. When the unix_dgram_recvmsg function processes incoming datagram messages, it fails to properly serialize access to shared kernel data structures. This missing serialization creates a race condition where concurrent operations can interfere with each other, leading to inconsistent kernel state and potentially exploitable conditions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software design, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities. The race condition typically occurs when a malicious user can manipulate the timing of system calls to exploit the lack of proper locking mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows local users to escalate their privileges from standard user level to root access without requiring any special authentication mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this flaw by carefully orchestrating concurrent socket operations to manipulate kernel memory structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the highest system privileges. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no network access and can be executed from within the local system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments. Systems running affected kernel versions are vulnerable to unauthorized privilege escalation attacks that could result in complete system compromise, data theft, or persistent backdoor installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1068 involve immediate kernel version updates to patched releases that address the serialization issue in the unix domain socket implementation. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to kernel versions 2.4.28 or 2.6.10 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for the race condition. Additionally, implementing proper system hardening measures including restricting local user access to system resources, monitoring for suspicious socket activity, and maintaining up-to-date security patches can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The fix typically involves adding proper locking mechanisms and synchronization primitives to ensure that concurrent access to socket resources is properly serialized, preventing the race condition that enables privilege escalation.