CVE-2005-3808 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the invalidate_inode_pages2_range function in mm/truncate.c in Linux kernel 2.6.11 to 2.6.14 allows local users to cause a denial of service (hang) via 64-bit mmap calls that are not properly handled on a 32-bit system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3808 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's memory management subsystem that specifically affects versions 2.6.11 through 2.6.14. This issue resides in the invalidate_inode_pages2_range function located in the mm/truncate.c file, which handles the invalidation of inode pages during memory management operations. The flaw manifests when 64-bit memory mapping operations are performed on 32-bit systems, creating a scenario where the kernel's handling of large memory addresses exceeds the capacity of 32-bit integer variables, leading to unexpected behavior and system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental mismatch between 64-bit virtual memory addresses and 32-bit integer arithmetic within the kernel's memory management code. When a 64-bit mmap call is executed on a 32-bit system, the kernel attempts to process these large address ranges using 32-bit variables that cannot properly accommodate the full range of 64-bit values. This overflow condition causes the kernel to enter an infinite loop or hang state during the page invalidation process, effectively rendering the system unresponsive. The vulnerability specifically targets the truncation mechanism that manages memory pages associated with file systems, creating a denial of service condition that can be triggered by any local user with sufficient privileges to execute memory mapping operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to system availability and stability, particularly in environments where 32-bit systems are still operational or where legacy applications might attempt to utilize 64-bit memory mapping features. The impact extends beyond simple system hangs as it can affect the entire kernel memory management subsystem, potentially causing cascading failures in related services and applications that depend on proper memory handling. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires only basic user privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by malicious users or processes to disrupt system operations without requiring administrative access. This type of denial of service attack can be particularly devastating in server environments where continuous availability is critical for business operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and demonstrates how improper handling of data type conversions can lead to system instability. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, as it allows local users to cause system-wide disruptions through kernel-level memory management flaws. The mitigation strategies should include immediate kernel updates to versions beyond 2.6.14 where this vulnerability has been patched, along with implementing proper input validation and boundary checking in memory management operations. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory mapping patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and establishing robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems.