CVE-2005-0767 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Race condition in the Radeon DRI driver for Linux kernel 2.6.8.1 allows local users with DRI privileges to execute arbitrary code as root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0767 represents a critical race condition within the Radeon DRI (Direct Rendering Infrastructure) driver component of the Linux kernel version 2.6.8.1. This flaw specifically affects systems utilizing AMD Radeon graphics hardware with DRI support enabled, creating a security weakness that can be exploited by local users who possess DRI privileges. The race condition manifests during the interaction between user-space applications and kernel-space graphics drivers, where timing-dependent operations create opportunities for privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper synchronization mechanisms within the DRI driver code. When multiple processes or threads attempt to access shared kernel resources simultaneously, the lack of adequate locking mechanisms allows for unpredictable execution sequences. In this particular case, the race condition occurs during memory management operations within the graphics driver, where concurrent access to kernel memory structures can lead to memory corruption. The flaw is categorized under CWE-362, which specifically addresses Race Conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers Exploitation for Privilege Escalation through local system vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables local users with DRI privileges to escalate their privileges to root level execution. This means that an attacker who has already gained access to a system with standard user privileges and DRI access can leverage this flaw to gain complete system control. The exploitation process typically involves carefully timed concurrent operations that trigger the race condition, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This vulnerability effectively undermines the security model of the Linux kernel by allowing privilege escalation without requiring additional attack vectors or elevated access levels.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0767 involve multiple layers of security controls that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader system security posture. System administrators should immediately apply kernel updates that contain patches for this specific race condition, as the vulnerability was addressed in subsequent kernel versions. Additionally, implementing strict access controls to DRI devices can limit the number of users who possess the necessary privileges to exploit this vulnerability. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting DRI access to only those processes and users that absolutely require graphics acceleration capabilities. Organizations should also consider disabling DRI support entirely on systems where it is not required, as this eliminates the attack surface for this particular vulnerability while maintaining system functionality for users who do not require direct graphics rendering capabilities.