CVE-2004-1190 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
suse linux before 9.1 and suse linux enterprise server before 9 do not properly check commands sent to cd devices that have been opened read-only which could allow local users to conduct unauthorized write activities to modify the firmware of associated scsi devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1190 represents a critical access control flaw in SUSE Linux distributions prior to version 9.1 and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server before version 9. This issue specifically affects the handling of commands sent to CD-ROM devices that have been opened in read-only mode, creating an unexpected privilege escalation vector through improper command validation. The flaw stems from the operating system's failure to properly enforce read-only access restrictions when processing SCSI commands, allowing local attackers with minimal privileges to bypass intended security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the device driver level where the kernel's SCSI subsystem does not adequately validate the commands being sent to optical media devices. When a CD-ROM device is opened in read-only mode, the system should prevent any write operations or firmware modification commands from being executed. However, the flawed implementation allows certain administrative commands to be processed regardless of the device's open mode, effectively enabling unauthorized write activities to associated SCSI devices. This represents a classic case of inadequate input validation and privilege enforcement that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local users with the capability to modify firmware on SCSI devices, potentially compromising system integrity and security. Attackers could exploit this weakness to install malicious firmware modifications, render devices inoperable, or create persistent backdoors through firmware-level persistence mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems running older SUSE Linux versions where the kernel's device access control mechanisms were not properly hardened against command injection attacks. This issue particularly impacts enterprise environments where SCSI devices are commonly used for storage and backup operations, as firmware modifications could lead to complete system compromise or data loss.
The root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting local privileges to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The flaw demonstrates how insufficient privilege separation in device drivers can create dangerous escalation paths, particularly when dealing with low-level hardware interfaces that have direct system control capabilities. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement patches that properly enforce read-only access restrictions and validate all commands sent to optical media devices. System administrators should also conduct thorough security audits to identify any potential firmware modifications that might have occurred through exploitation of this weakness. The remediation process requires updating the affected SUSE Linux distributions to versions that include proper command validation and access control enforcement mechanisms, ensuring that read-only device handles cannot be used to execute write operations or firmware modification commands.