CVE-2004-1234 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
load_elf_binary in Linux before 2.4.26 allows local users to cause a denial of service (system crash) via an ELF binary in which the interpreter is NULL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1234 represents a critical flaw in the Linux kernel's ELF binary loading mechanism that existed prior to version 2.4.26. This issue specifically affects the load_elf_binary function which is responsible for processing and loading executable ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) files into memory. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation within the kernel's binary loading subsystem, creating a potential for system instability when malformed ELF binaries are executed.
The technical flaw manifests when an ELF binary contains a NULL interpreter field, which the kernel fails to properly validate before attempting to load the binary into memory. This condition causes the kernel to attempt to dereference a null pointer during the binary loading process, resulting in an immediate system crash or kernel panic. The vulnerability is classified as a denial of service condition because it allows local users to trigger a system-wide crash without requiring any special privileges beyond the ability to execute programs. The root cause aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL Pointer Dereference, a common software vulnerability pattern that occurs when software attempts to access a memory location through a null pointer reference.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes as it can be exploited by malicious local users to disrupt system availability and potentially cause service interruptions. In environments where multiple users share the same system or where automated processes execute user-provided binaries, this vulnerability could be leveraged to create persistent denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions earlier than 2.4.26, making it particularly relevant to older enterprise systems and embedded devices that may not have been updated to newer kernel versions.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability follows the ATT&CK framework pattern for privilege escalation and system compromise through kernel-level exploits. While the immediate impact is limited to denial of service, the underlying kernel vulnerability could potentially serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks targeting system stability and availability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in kernel space code and highlights the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date kernel versions to protect against known exploits.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.4.26 or later, which includes the necessary patches to properly validate interpreter fields in ELF binaries. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and user isolation measures to limit the potential impact of local privilege escalation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for unusual system crashes and implementing automated patch management processes can help prevent exploitation of this and similar kernel-level vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of kernel security and the need for regular security updates in maintaining system integrity and availability.