CVE-2007-4308 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The (1) aac_cfg_open and (2) aac_compat_ioctl functions in the SCSI layer ioctl path in aacraid in the Linux kernel before 2.6.23-rc2 do not check permissions for ioctls, which might allow local users to cause a denial of service or gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4308 affects the aacraid driver in Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.23-rc2, specifically targeting the SCSI layer ioctl path implementation. This flaw exists in two critical functions: aac_cfg_open and aac_compat_ioctl, which handle device configuration and compatibility ioctl operations respectively. The vulnerability stems from insufficient permission validation within these functions, creating a security gap that allows unauthorized local users to exploit the system through malformed ioctl calls. The absence of proper access control checks in the kernel's SCSI subsystem creates a pathway for privilege escalation or denial of service attacks that can significantly impact system integrity and availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms in software systems. The flaw occurs at the kernel level where ioctl operations should enforce strict permission controls but fail to validate whether the calling process has appropriate privileges to execute specific commands. The aacraid driver, designed to manage Advanced Access Controller RAID controllers, exposes these functions through standard ioctl interfaces that should require root privileges or specific capabilities. However, the missing permission checks allow any local user to potentially invoke these functions, bypassing normal kernel security boundaries and creating opportunities for both privilege escalation and system stability compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential privilege escalation scenarios that could enable malicious local users to gain elevated system privileges. When local attackers exploit these functions, they can potentially manipulate RAID controller configurations, access sensitive system resources, or trigger kernel memory corruption that leads to system crashes. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.23-rc2, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where older kernel versions may still be in production use. Attackers could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access or disrupt critical storage operations within RAID environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-4308 primarily focus on kernel version upgrades to 2.6.23-rc2 or later, where the permission checking mechanisms have been properly implemented. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems and ensure that all kernel components are updated to versions that address this specific vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing proper access controls through mandatory access control systems such as SELinux or AppArmor, which can provide additional layers of protection even when kernel-level fixes are not immediately available. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in kernel space, where flaws can have severe consequences for system security and stability. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar permission bypass vulnerabilities in other kernel drivers and subsystems, as this represents a common attack vector that has been exploited in various kernel security incidents throughout the years.