CVE-2005-1265 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The mmap function in the Linux Kernel 2.6.10 can be used to create memory maps with a start address beyond the end address, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel crash).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1265 represents a critical flaw in the Linux kernel's memory management subsystem that existed in kernel versions up to 2.6.10. This issue stems from improper validation within the mmap system call implementation, where the kernel fails to adequately verify the relationship between the starting and ending addresses of memory mappings. The flaw allows local attackers with access to the system to manipulate the mmap function parameters in a way that creates invalid memory mappings with contradictory address boundaries. When the kernel attempts to process these malformed mappings, it encounters a condition where the start address exceeds the end address, leading to unpredictable behavior and ultimately causing the kernel to crash.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the mmap system call parameters, specifically by providing a start address that is numerically greater than the end address in the memory mapping request. This creates a scenario where the kernel's memory management code attempts to traverse memory regions in reverse order or encounters memory boundaries that violate fundamental assumptions built into the kernel's virtual memory subsystem. The flaw is classified under CWE-129 as an "Improper Validation of Array Index" and more specifically relates to improper validation of memory mapping parameters within the kernel's memory management interface. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1499 which covers "Endpoint Denial of Service" as it enables local users to cause system instability through kernel-level memory manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1265 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially compromise system stability and availability. When exploited successfully, the kernel crash resulting from this vulnerability can cause complete system hang or reboot, affecting all running processes and services on the affected system. This type of local privilege escalation vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond normal user access, making it accessible to any local user who can execute programs on the system. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions 2.6.10 and earlier, which were prevalent during the mid-2000s and could be found in various enterprise and desktop environments. The memory management subsystem's failure to validate input parameters creates a condition where maliciously crafted memory mapping requests can bypass normal kernel safety checks and cause the kernel's virtual memory manager to enter an inconsistent state.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus primarily on kernel version updates and system hardening measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Linux kernel versions 2.6.11 and later, where the mmap validation logic was corrected to properly validate address boundaries and prevent creation of invalid memory mappings. System administrators should implement regular kernel updates as part of their security maintenance procedures to address such vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges where possible, monitoring for unusual memory mapping activity, and maintaining system logs that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in kernel space code and highlights the critical nature of memory management subsystems in maintaining overall system stability and security. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious mmap system call patterns and establish baseline behavior for normal system operation to detect potential exploitation attempts.