CVE-2005-0180 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer signedness errors in the sg_scsi_ioctl function in scsi_ioctl.c for Linux 2.6.x allow local users to read or modify kernel memory via negative integers in arguments to the scsi ioctl, which bypass a maximum length check before calling the copy_from_user and copy_to_user functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0180 represents a critical security flaw in the Linux kernel's SCSI subsystem that stems from improper handling of integer signedness during ioctl command processing. This issue affects Linux kernel versions 2.6.x and specifically targets the sg_scsi_ioctl function within the scsi_ioctl.c file, which serves as the interface for SCSI generic device operations. The root cause lies in the function's failure to properly validate the signedness of integer parameters passed through SCSI ioctl commands, creating a pathway for malicious manipulation of kernel memory spaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a fundamental flaw in input validation where negative integer values are not properly constrained before being used in memory copy operations. When legitimate users pass negative integers as arguments to SCSI ioctl commands, the sg_scsi_ioctl function fails to enforce proper bounds checking that would normally prevent such values from bypassing the maximum length validation. This oversight allows the function to proceed with copy_from_user and copy_to_user operations using negative length parameters, effectively enabling unauthorized memory access patterns that can read or modify kernel memory regions. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level where privilege separation fails, making it particularly dangerous as local users can leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges or cause system instability.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0180 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate kernel data structures and potentially execute arbitrary code within kernel space. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, specifically manifesting as a signed integer overflow condition that leads to memory corruption. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only local user privileges to exploit, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially leverage this vulnerability. The memory access patterns enabled by this flaw can lead to information disclosure, system crashes, or more severe privilege escalation attacks that compromise the entire kernel security model. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of systems running affected kernel versions, potentially allowing attackers to extract sensitive kernel information or modify critical system components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0180 primarily involve applying the appropriate kernel security patches that address the integer signedness validation issue in the sg_scsi_ioctl function. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions that contain the patched implementation of scsi_ioctl.c, which properly validates integer parameters before proceeding with memory operations. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and privilege separation mechanisms can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in kernel space operations and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of edge cases in system call interfaces. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious ioctl activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly when negative integer values are observed in SCSI command processing. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated kernel versions to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in legitimate SCSI device functionality while effectively closing the security gap that allows for unauthorized kernel memory access.