CVE-2005-2490 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the sendmsg function call in the Linux kernel 2.6 before 2.6.13.1 allows local users execute arbitrary code by calling sendmsg and modifying the message contents in another thread.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2490 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the Linux kernel's sendmsg system call implementation. This flaw exists in kernel versions prior to 2.6.13.1 and specifically affects the handling of message contents during network communication operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking when processing message structures, creating a condition where malicious input can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it allows local privilege escalation through a carefully crafted sequence of operations involving the sendmsg function and concurrent thread manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a race condition scenario where a local user can exploit the sendmsg function by initiating a message send operation while simultaneously modifying the message contents from another thread. This concurrent execution pattern causes the kernel to improperly handle memory allocation and buffer boundaries, leading to stack corruption. The buffer overflow occurs when the kernel fails to validate the size of message data against allocated stack space, allowing an attacker to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking leads to memory corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2490 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Local attackers with basic user privileges can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, effectively bypassing userland security controls. The attack vector requires coordination between multiple threads but does not necessitate network access or special hardware privileges, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where local users might have limited access to system resources. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068 for local privilege escalation and T1059 for execution through system calls, demonstrating how kernel-level flaws can be exploited to achieve unauthorized system control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2490 primarily focus on kernel version updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.6.13.1 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through improved bounds checking in the sendmsg implementation. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual thread behavior patterns and message handling operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing proper access controls, and applying kernel hardening patches that strengthen memory management protections. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date system components and demonstrates how seemingly routine system calls can become attack vectors when proper input validation is absent, highlighting the critical need for rigorous security testing in kernel space operations.