CVE-2004-1069 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in SELinux 2.6.x through 2.6.9 allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel crash) via SOCK_SEQPACKET unix domain sockets, which are not properly handled in the sock_dgram_sendmsg function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1069 represents a critical race condition within the Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) implementation in kernel versions 2.6.x through 2.6.9. This flaw specifically affects the handling of SOCK_SEQPACKET unix domain sockets, which are a type of socket communication mechanism used for reliable, connection-oriented data transmission between processes. The race condition occurs in the sock_dgram_sendmsg function, which is responsible for managing datagram-based socket operations and serves as a crucial component in the kernel's network stack implementation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the SELinux security framework when processing SOCK_SEQPACKET sockets. When a local user crafts specific socket operations using these particular socket types, the kernel's handling routine fails to properly account for concurrent access patterns, leading to a race condition where multiple threads or processes attempt to access shared kernel resources simultaneously without adequate locking mechanisms. This flaw manifests as a kernel crash or system panic, effectively causing a denial of service condition that renders the affected system unusable until manual reboot or system restart occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a fundamental flaw in the kernel's security module implementation that can be exploited by local attackers with minimal privileges. Since the vulnerability exists within the core kernel networking code and affects SELinux's security policies, it undermines the integrity of the entire security framework. The race condition can be triggered through carefully constructed socket operations that exploit timing dependencies in the kernel's socket handling code, making it particularly dangerous as it can be reliably reproduced by local users without requiring elevated privileges or specialized hardware access. This vulnerability directly impacts systems running Linux kernels in security-sensitive environments where SELinux is actively enforced.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates to versions that contain the necessary patches addressing the race condition in the sock_dgram_sendmsg function. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches from their respective Linux distributions, as this vulnerability was classified as high-risk due to its potential for causing system-wide crashes and denial of service conditions. The fix typically involves implementing proper locking mechanisms and synchronization primitives around the socket handling code to prevent concurrent access issues. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual socket activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and should review their SELinux policy configurations to ensure minimal privilege escalation paths remain available. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes race conditions in software implementations, and represents a specific instance of how improper synchronization in kernel code can lead to system instability. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques and system exploitation methods, as local users can leverage it to compromise system availability and potentially gain further access to system resources through subsequent exploitation attempts.