CVE-2005-1294 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
the affix_sock_register in the affix bluetooth protocol stack for linux might allow local users to gain privileges via a socket call with a negative protocol value which is used as an array index.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1294 resides within the affix bluetooth protocol stack implementation for linux systems, representing a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited to escalate privileges locally. This flaw exists in the affix_sock_register function which handles socket registration operations for bluetooth protocols. The vulnerability manifests when a malicious local user crafts a socket call with a negative protocol value that gets directly used as an array index without proper validation or bounds checking. This represents a fundamental security flaw in input validation and memory management practices within the bluetooth subsystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied parameters within kernel space code. When the negative protocol value is passed to the affix_sock_register function, it bypasses normal validation checks that should prevent array indexing with invalid values. The protocol value, when used directly as an array index, can cause the system to access memory locations outside the intended array boundaries, potentially allowing an attacker to read or write data at arbitrary memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, specifically addressing improper validation of array indices and insufficient bounds checking. The flaw operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation is possible, as the affected code path can be accessed through local socket operations that are typically available to unprivileged users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, effectively bypassing normal access controls and privilege boundaries. An attacker could leverage this condition to gain root access or escalate their privileges to the highest level available within the system. The attack vector requires only local access and the ability to make socket calls, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local users have access to system resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the use of local privilege escalation techniques, and specifically targets the privilege escalation sub-technique T1068.001 which involves exploiting kernel vulnerabilities. The exploitation potential extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and persistent access to the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected bluetooth protocol stack implementation and implementation of proper input validation mechanisms. System administrators should ensure that all bluetooth protocol stack components are updated to versions that address this specific array index validation issue. The fix should implement proper bounds checking before any array access operations, ensuring that protocol values are validated against expected ranges before being used as array indices. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection to make exploitation more difficult even if similar vulnerabilities exist. Regular security audits of kernel modules and protocol stacks should be conducted to identify and remediate similar validation flaws that could lead to privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel space code and highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflows and memory corruption vulnerabilities.