CVE-2008-5033 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The chip_command function in drivers/media/video/tvaudio.c in the Linux kernel 2.6.25.x before 2.6.25.19, 2.6.26.x before 2.6.26.7, and 2.6.27.x before 2.6.27.3 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL function pointer dereference and OOPS) via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5033 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the Linux kernel's television audio driver component. This issue resides in the chip_command function located in drivers/media/video/tvaudio.c, affecting multiple kernel versions including 2.6.25.x before 2.6.25.19, 2.6.26.x before 2.6.26.7, and 2.6.27.x before 2.6.27.3. The flaw manifests when the kernel processes television audio commands through the tvaudio driver, creating a scenario where a NULL function pointer is dereferenced, leading to system instability and potential system crashes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the chip_command function, which fails to properly check for valid function pointer references before attempting to invoke them. When malicious or malformed input reaches this function, it triggers a NULL pointer dereference condition that results in an OOPS message and subsequent system crash. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476, which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions in software systems. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the kernel's television audio subsystem in such a way that it executes invalid function calls, causing the kernel to terminate unexpectedly.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant denial of service risk to systems running affected Linux kernel versions. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as the OOPS condition can potentially cause complete system crashes, requiring manual reboot operations and potentially leading to data loss or corruption. Systems utilizing television audio hardware or those that might be exploited through network-based attacks targeting the kernel's media subsystem could be severely impacted. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be triggered through normal kernel operation, making it particularly dangerous for embedded systems or servers that rely on continuous availability. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks that can cause system instability and crashes.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2008-5033 primarily involves applying the official kernel security patches released by the Linux kernel development team. System administrators should immediately upgrade to kernel versions 2.6.25.19, 2.6.26.7, or 2.6.27.3 respectively, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper kernel hardening measures including kernel address space layout randomization and stack canaries can provide additional protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect system crashes or OOPS conditions that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation and proper error handling in kernel space code, as highlighted by the Common Weakness Enumeration standards and the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on maintaining system stability and availability in cybersecurity defense strategies.