CVE-2007-5001 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE
Linux kernel before 2.4.21 allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel panic) via asynchronous input or output on a FIFO special file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5001 represents a critical denial of service flaw affecting Linux kernel versions prior to 2.4.21. This issue specifically targets the handling of asynchronous input/output operations on FIFO special files, which are named pipes commonly used for inter-process communication in Unix-like systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of asynchronous operations within the kernel's file system layer, creating a condition where malicious or malformed input can trigger kernel panic states that completely halt system operations. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the kernel's resource management and error handling mechanisms when processing asynchronous I/O requests on special file types.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the kernel's asynchronous I/O subsystem where FIFO files are processed without proper bounds checking or state validation. When a local user executes asynchronous read or write operations on a FIFO special file, the kernel fails to properly validate the operation parameters and timing sequences. This validation gap allows an attacker to craft specific I/O patterns that cause the kernel to enter an inconsistent state, ultimately leading to a kernel panic. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where any improper state management can result in complete system failure, requiring manual reboot to restore normal operations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of input data, and CWE-362, which covers concurrent execution of potentially conflicting operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5001 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass complete system availability compromise. Local users can exploit this vulnerability to cause kernel panics that result in immediate system crashes, potentially leading to data loss and service interruption for critical system processes. The attack vector requires local access to the system, making it a privilege escalation concern for users who already have system access, but the severity remains high due to the potential for repeated exploitation. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious insiders or compromised accounts to disrupt services, while in embedded systems, it might lead to complete device unavailability. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple kernel versions indicates a systemic issue in the kernel's I/O handling architecture that required significant code rework to address properly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5001 primarily focus on immediate kernel version upgrades to 2.4.21 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through improved input validation and asynchronous I/O handling. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all kernel versions are current and that no legacy systems remain vulnerable to this attack. Additional protective measures include restricting local user access to FIFO files through proper file permissions and monitoring for unusual asynchronous I/O patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of local privilege escalation, while system logging should capture all I/O operations on special files for forensic analysis. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous behavior patterns consistent with this vulnerability's exploitation methods. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched kernel versions to ensure that legitimate system functionality remains intact while the vulnerability is eliminated. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper kernel security testing and validation, particularly for critical system components that handle asynchronous operations and inter-process communication mechanisms.