CVE-2004-1333 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the vc_resize function in the Linux kernel 2.4 and 2.6 before 2.6.10 allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel crash) via a short new screen value, which leads to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1333 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Linux kernel's virtual console subsystem that affects kernel versions 2.4 and 2.6 prior to 2.6.10. This flaw resides in the vc_resize function which handles screen dimension adjustments for virtual consoles, creating a scenario where malformed input can trigger system instability. The vulnerability operates through a specific input validation failure where a short new screen value causes integer arithmetic to exceed maximum representable values, ultimately leading to buffer overflow conditions that can crash the kernel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic integer overflow pattern that falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions. When the vc_resize function processes a screen dimension parameter that is insufficiently validated, the kernel's arithmetic operations can produce values that exceed the maximum limits of the integer data type being used. This overflow condition propagates into buffer overflow scenarios where the kernel attempts to allocate memory based on the corrupted calculated values, resulting in memory corruption that can only be resolved through system reboot. The vulnerability specifically targets the virtual console driver subsystem which handles terminal emulation and display management within the Linux kernel.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant denial of service risk that can be exploited by local users with minimal privileges. The attack vector requires only that an unprivileged user execute code that triggers the vc_resize function with a specifically crafted short screen value, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local privilege escalation may be possible. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as kernel crashes can result in data loss, system instability, and potential information disclosure through crash dumps. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks, though in this case the attack operates at the kernel level rather than network layer. The vulnerability's exploitation can be automated and does not require sophisticated tools or extensive system knowledge, making it particularly dangerous for production systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1333 should prioritize immediate kernel version upgrades to 2.6.10 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement kernel hardening measures including stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel compile-time protections that can help detect or prevent exploitation attempts. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized local access attempts and implement proper access controls to limit user privileges. The patch for this vulnerability specifically addresses the integer overflow by adding proper input validation and bounds checking to prevent the arithmetic overflow from occurring in the first place. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual virtual console activity patterns and kernel crash reports that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel module signing and secure boot processes to prevent unauthorized kernel modifications that could potentially bypass these protections.