CVE-2005-1399 in FreeBSD
Summary
by MITRE
FreeBSD 4.6 to 4.11 and 5.x to 5.4 uses insecure default permissions for the /dev/iir device, which allows local users to execute restricted ioctl calls to read or modify data on hardware that is controlled by the iir driver.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1399 represents a significant security flaw in FreeBSD operating systems ranging from version 4.6 through 4.11 and 5.x through 5.4. This issue stems from the improper configuration of device permissions for the /dev/iir device node, which serves as the interface for the iir (Intel Integrated RAID) driver. The insecure default permissions create a privilege escalation vector that allows local attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute restricted ioctl commands that should typically be restricted to privileged processes only.
The technical flaw manifests in the device driver's permission model where the /dev/iir device node is created with overly permissive access controls. This allows any local user to open the device file and issue ioctl commands directly to the underlying RAID controller hardware. The iir driver is responsible for managing Intel Integrated RAID controllers, and when improperly secured, these ioctl calls can be used to read sensitive data from the storage arrays, modify RAID configurations, or potentially corrupt storage data. This represents a classic case of inadequate privilege separation and improper access control implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with direct access to critical storage infrastructure managed by the iir driver. Local users can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to data stored on RAID arrays, potentially leading to data exfiltration or corruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level through device drivers, making it difficult to detect and trace. Attackers could use this access to modify RAID configurations, delete critical storage volumes, or extract sensitive information from the underlying storage devices. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of storage systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1399 require immediate system administration action to address the insecure device permissions. System administrators should immediately update to patched versions of FreeBSD where the iir device permissions have been corrected to restrict access to privileged users only. The recommended approach involves modifying the device node permissions to ensure that only root or specific privileged groups can access the /dev/iir device. Additionally, administrators should implement proper access control lists and consider disabling the iir driver entirely if RAID functionality is not required. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper permissions for a resource, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be used to establish persistent access to storage infrastructure, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks against the broader system environment.