CVE-2006-7229 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The skge driver 1.5 in Linux kernel 2.6.15 on Ubuntu does not properly use the spin_lock and spin_unlock functions, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (machine crash) via a flood of network traffic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2025
The CVE-2006-7229 vulnerability resides within the skge network driver component of the Linux kernel version 2.6.15, specifically affecting Ubuntu systems. This flaw represents a critical concurrency issue that fundamentally undermines the driver's ability to handle simultaneous network operations safely. The skge driver, designed to support certain gigabit ethernet hardware, contains a fundamental programming error in its locking mechanism that creates a pathway for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability manifests when the driver fails to properly implement spin_lock and spin_unlock functions, which are essential synchronization primitives in kernel space programming.
The technical flaw stems from improper handling of kernel-level spin locks, which are designed to prevent race conditions and ensure data integrity when multiple processes or interrupts attempt to access shared resources simultaneously. In this case, the driver's failure to correctly acquire and release spin locks creates a scenario where concurrent network packet processing can lead to unpredictable system states. When subjected to a flood of network traffic, the driver's inadequate locking mechanism causes the kernel to enter an inconsistent state, ultimately resulting in system instability and complete machine crash. This behavior aligns with CWE-362, which identifies concurrent execution use of a resource after it has been released, and represents a classic example of improper lock management in kernel space.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it provides remote attackers with a reliable method to crash target systems without requiring local access or elevated privileges. Network flooding attacks can be executed from remote locations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in networked environments where systems may be exposed to untrusted traffic. The vulnerability affects systems running kernel 2.6.15 with the skge driver, which was prevalent in the Ubuntu ecosystem during that time period. This creates a significant risk for organizations that have not updated their systems, as the attack surface remains exposed to remote exploitation. The flaw operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous since it can compromise system stability regardless of user-level security controls or applications running on the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate kernel updates and system patching to address the underlying locking implementation issues. System administrators should prioritize updating to kernel versions that contain corrected spin_lock and spin_unlock usage patterns, typically found in subsequent kernel releases following 2.6.15. Additionally, network administrators can implement traffic rate limiting and monitoring to detect and potentially mitigate flood attacks before they can cause system crashes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper synchronization mechanisms in kernel space, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks, where adversaries leverage system weaknesses to cause service disruption. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining awareness of the broader implications of kernel-level concurrency issues that can affect system stability and availability.