CVE-2005-0750 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
the bluez_sock_create function in the bluetooth stack for linux kernel 2.4.6 through 2.4.30-rc1 and 2.6 through 2.6.11.5 allows local users to gain privileges via (1) socket or (2) socketpair call with a negative protocol value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0750 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Linux kernel's Bluetooth implementation, specifically affecting the bluez stack versions from 2.4.6 through 2.4.30-rc1 and 2.6 through 2.6.11.5. This vulnerability resides in the bluez_sock_create function which handles socket creation operations for Bluetooth communications. The flaw manifests when local users exploit the socket or socketpair system calls with negative protocol values, creating a condition where the kernel fails to properly validate input parameters. This improper validation creates a path for privilege escalation attacks that can be leveraged by unprivileged local users to gain elevated system privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a buffer overflow and integer underflow condition within the Bluetooth socket creation logic. When a negative protocol value is passed to the socket or socketpair calls, the bluez_sock_create function does not adequately validate the protocol parameter, leading to unpredictable behavior in kernel memory management. This flaw can be categorized under CWE-129 as an "Improper Validation of Array Index" and CWE-191 as an "Integer Underflow" according to the Common Weakness Enumeration standards. The vulnerability exploits the kernel's failure to properly sanitize input parameters, specifically the protocol field in socket operations, which allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-0750 is significant for systems running affected Linux kernel versions with Bluetooth functionality enabled. Local attackers who can execute code on the target system can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges from standard user level to root level without requiring additional authentication or specialized tools. This privilege escalation capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local access might be obtained through social engineering, compromised accounts, or other initial attack vectors. The vulnerability affects systems where Bluetooth services are actively running, including laptops, servers, and embedded systems with Bluetooth capabilities, potentially compromising entire network infrastructures if attackers can establish persistent access through other means.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate system administrators to apply kernel updates and patches from their respective distribution vendors, as the issue affects multiple kernel release branches. The most effective approach involves upgrading to kernel versions that contain the patched bluez_sock_create function with proper input validation. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user access to systems with Bluetooth capabilities. Additionally, monitoring for unusual socket creation patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. According to MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques under the T1068 category, specifically targeting local system access and privilege escalation through kernel exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only necessary users have access to systems with Bluetooth functionality, and regularly auditing system configurations to minimize attack surface exposure.