CVE-2007-1734 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The DCCP support in the do_dccp_getsockopt function in net/dccp/proto.c in Linux kernel 2.6.20 and later does not verify the upper bounds of the optlen value, which allows local users running on certain architectures to read kernel memory or cause a denial of service (oops), a related issue to CVE-2007-1730.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1734 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Linux kernel's Datagram Congestion Control Protocol implementation. This flaw exists in the do_dccp_getsockopt function located in net/dccp/proto.c, where the kernel fails to properly validate the upper bounds of the optlen parameter during socket option retrieval operations. The vulnerability specifically affects Linux kernel versions 2.6.20 and later, making it a persistent threat across multiple kernel releases. The issue manifests as a classic out-of-bounds memory access problem that occurs when the kernel processes socket options for DCCP connections without adequate input validation, creating a pathway for unauthorized memory access patterns.
The technical execution of this vulnerability relies on local users with access to the system who can manipulate socket option parameters to trigger the buffer overflow condition. When the do_dccp_getsockopt function processes a malformed optlen value, it fails to verify that the parameter remains within acceptable bounds for the kernel's internal memory structures. This allows attackers to specify an optlen value that exceeds the allocated buffer size, resulting in memory read operations that can access kernel memory regions outside the intended boundaries. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation vector stems from the fact that any user with access to the system can exploit this condition to potentially read sensitive kernel memory contents or force the kernel to crash through an oops condition. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of length parameters, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-1734 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to include potential information disclosure and system instability. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary kernel memory locations, which may contain sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data stored in kernel memory. The resulting kernel oops condition can cause system crashes or panics, leading to denial of service for legitimate users and applications. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2007-1730 indicates a broader pattern of issues within the DCCP implementation that affects multiple aspects of the protocol's socket option handling. This vulnerability represents a significant concern for systems running affected kernel versions, particularly in environments where local user access cannot be fully trusted, as it allows for both information leakage and system disruption.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on kernel version updates and input validation improvements. The most effective approach involves upgrading to a patched kernel version that addresses the improper bounds checking in the do_dccp_getsockopt function, ensuring that optlen parameters are properly validated before processing. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual socket option usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability requires specific parameter manipulation to trigger. The implementation of kernel hardening measures such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection can help mitigate the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, security configurations should disable unnecessary DCCP support when the protocol is not required, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and user privilege management to limit local user access to systems where this vulnerability exists, particularly in multi-tenant or shared computing environments where untrusted users might have access to kernel interfaces.