CVE-2006-2271 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The ECNE chunk handling in Linux SCTP (lksctp) before 2.6.17 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (kernel panic) via an unexpected chunk when the session is in CLOSED state.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2271 represents a critical flaw in the Linux Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) implementation known as lksctp. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of ECNE (Explicit Congestion Notification Echo) chunks within the SCTP protocol stack, affecting systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.17. The issue manifests when an SCTP session transitions to a CLOSED state, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit improper chunk handling mechanisms to trigger system instability.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate validation and processing of ECNE chunks during SCTP session state transitions. When an SCTP connection enters a CLOSED state, the kernel's SCTP implementation should properly handle incoming chunks without causing system crashes. However, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to send specially crafted ECNE chunks that bypass normal state validation procedures. This results in a kernel panic, effectively crashing the entire system and rendering it unavailable to legitimate users. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and state management within the kernel's SCTP subsystem, creating a path for arbitrary code execution through system-level denial of service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or privileged access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform persistent denial of service attacks against systems running vulnerable kernel versions, potentially affecting network infrastructure, web servers, or any system relying on SCTP for communication. The vulnerability affects the fundamental reliability of the kernel's network stack and can be particularly damaging in mission-critical environments where system availability is paramount. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it operates at the kernel level, making it difficult to detect and mitigate without proper system updates or patches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2271 primarily focus on upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.6.17 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through improved chunk validation mechanisms and enhanced state management procedures. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected systems receive timely updates. Additionally, network-level filtering can provide temporary protection by blocking suspicious SCTP traffic, though this approach does not address the root cause of the vulnerability. The fix implemented in kernel 2.6.17 typically involves strengthening input validation for ECNE chunks and ensuring proper state transitions occur even when unexpected chunks are received. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring for abnormal SCTP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in network protocol implementations.