CVE-2007-1273 in Financials Server
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the ktruser function in NetBSD-current before 20061022, NetBSD 3 and 3-0 before 20061024, and NetBSD 2 before 20070209, when the kernel is built with the COMPAT_FREEBSD or COMPAT_DARWIN option, allows local users to cause a denial of service and possibly gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1273 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the kernel-level ktruser function of NetBSD operating systems. This issue affects multiple NetBSD versions including the development branch before 20061022, NetBSD 3 and 3-0 before 20061024, and NetBSD 2 before 20070209. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the kernel is compiled with compatibility options for FreeBSD or Darwin systems, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by local attackers to compromise system integrity. The integer overflow occurs within kernel space operations that handle user tracing functionality, making this a particularly concerning security weakness.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation within the ktruser function where integer arithmetic operations fail to properly check for overflow conditions before performing calculations. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-190, which describes integer overflow and underflow conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential privilege escalation. When the kernel processes certain tracing requests from user space, the integer overflow can cause memory corruption that manifests as either system crashes or more severe exploitation opportunities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within kernel space where privilege escalation is possible, allowing local users to potentially gain elevated system privileges beyond their normal user permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks. Local attackers who can execute code on the target system can exploit this integer overflow to cause system instability through kernel crashes, but more concerning is the potential for privilege elevation that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local access and kernel compilation with specific compatibility options, but once exploited, it provides a pathway for attackers to gain root access or manipulate system-critical kernel data structures. This represents a significant risk to systems where local users might have access to the machine but not administrative privileges, as the vulnerability could be used to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of protection including immediate system updates to patched NetBSD versions, kernel configuration modifications to disable the problematic COMPAT_FREEBSD and COMPAT_DARWIN options, and comprehensive system monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should prioritize applying the relevant security patches released by NetBSD developers, as these updates address the integer overflow conditions in the ktruser function. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing kernel hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary compatibility layers, applying kernel compile-time security options, and monitoring for unusual kernel behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation in kernel space code and highlights the need for regular security audits of system components that handle user-supplied data, particularly when compatibility layers are enabled. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through kernel exploits, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security frameworks that track such attack patterns.