CVE-2007-2764 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The embedded Linux kernel in certain Sun-Brocade SilkWorm switches before 20070516 does not properly handle a situation in which a non-root user creates a kernel process, which allows attackers to cause a denial of service (oops and device reboot) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2764 represents a critical kernel-level flaw within the embedded Linux operating system used in Sun-Brocade SilkWorm fiber channel switches. This issue stems from inadequate kernel process management mechanisms that fail to properly validate user privileges during kernel execution contexts. The vulnerability specifically affects switches running firmware versions prior to 20070516, indicating a targeted timeframe for the flaw's existence and subsequent patching. The embedded nature of the Linux kernel in these network switching devices creates a unique attack surface where kernel-level exploits can directly impact network infrastructure availability and reliability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when a non-root user account gains the ability to initiate kernel processes within the switch environment. This represents a fundamental privilege escalation flaw that violates the core security principles of kernel isolation and access control. The kernel's failure to properly validate process creation requests from unprivileged users creates a pathway for malicious actors to trigger kernel oops conditions, which are kernel-level memory corruption errors that typically result in system crashes. These oops conditions ultimately lead to complete device reboots, disrupting network connectivity and potentially causing cascading failures in larger network infrastructures.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe denial of service threat that can be exploited by both internal and external attackers. The ability to cause device reboots through kernel-level manipulation represents a critical failure in the switch's security architecture, as it allows attackers to disrupt network services without requiring physical access or advanced exploitation techniques. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the original description suggest that multiple attack pathways may exist, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as defenders cannot easily predict or defend against all potential exploitation methods. Network administrators face the challenge of maintaining switch availability while dealing with a vulnerability that can be triggered by simple user account manipulation.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2764 primarily focus on firmware updates and access control hardening. Organizations must immediately update their Sun-Brocade SilkWorm switches to firmware versions released after 20070516 to address the kernel process handling flaw. Additionally, implementing strict user access controls and privilege separation measures can help reduce the attack surface by limiting user account capabilities within the switch environment. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous kernel process creation activities. From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and relates to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure kernel design principles and proper access control mechanisms in embedded network devices, particularly those operating in mission-critical infrastructure environments where availability is paramount.