CVE-2005-3044 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple vulnerabilities in Linux kernel before 2.6.13.2 allow local users to cause a denial of service (kernel OOPS from null dereference) via (1) fput in a 32-bit ioctl on 64-bit x86 systems or (2) sockfd_put in the 32-bit routing_ioctl function on 64-bit systems.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3044 represents a critical class of kernel-level flaws affecting Linux systems prior to version 2.6.13.2. This issue manifests as a local privilege escalation opportunity that can result in system-wide denial of service through kernel crashes. The vulnerabilities specifically target the interaction between 32-bit and 64-bit system call interfaces on x86 architectures, creating a condition where improper handling of file descriptor structures can lead to null pointer dereferences within kernel space. These flaws exploit fundamental weaknesses in the kernel's memory management and system call processing mechanisms, particularly when transitioning between different architectural modes.
The technical implementation of these vulnerabilities occurs through two distinct but related code paths that demonstrate poor error handling in kernel subsystems. The first vulnerability involves the fput function which is triggered during 32-bit ioctl operations on 64-bit x86 systems, while the second affects the sockfd_put function within the 32-bit routing_ioctl function on 64-bit systems. Both scenarios create conditions where kernel code attempts to dereference null pointers when processing file descriptors, leading to kernel oops messages and system crashes. These issues are classified under CWE-476 as null pointer dereference vulnerabilities, which represent a common class of memory safety issues in kernel code where pointers are not properly validated before use. The specific nature of these vulnerabilities demonstrates the complexity of maintaining compatibility between different system architectures while ensuring kernel stability.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3044 extends beyond simple denial of service to potentially compromise system availability and stability. When exploited, these vulnerabilities can cause complete system crashes requiring manual reboot, disrupting services and potentially leading to data loss. The local nature of the attack means that any user with access to the system can potentially trigger these conditions, making them particularly dangerous in multi-user environments. From an attack perspective, these flaws align with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1068 tactic for local privilege escalation, where attackers can leverage kernel vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges or cause system instability. The vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they affect the core kernel functionality that handles network and file operations, making them difficult to detect and prevent through conventional security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3044 focus primarily on system updates and kernel patching to address the underlying architectural compatibility issues. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Linux kernel versions 2.6.13.2 or later where these vulnerabilities have been resolved through proper null pointer validation in the affected functions. System administrators should also implement monitoring for kernel oops messages and system crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include restricting local user access where possible and implementing proper system hardening practices to limit the attack surface. The vulnerabilities highlight the importance of thorough testing across different architectural modes and proper validation of system call interfaces, particularly when maintaining compatibility between 32-bit and 64-bit environments. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual patterns of kernel crashes or system instability that might indicate exploitation attempts.