CVE-2008-5700 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
libata in the Linux kernel before 2.6.27.9 does not set minimum timeouts for SG_IO requests, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (Programmed I/O mode on drives) via multiple simultaneous invocations of an unspecified test program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5700 affects the libata subsystem within the Linux kernel version 2.6.27.9 and earlier. This issue resides in the storage I/O handling mechanism that governs communication between the operating system and storage devices through the Serial ATA protocol. The libata subsystem serves as a critical interface for managing SATA drives and their associated I/O operations, making it a prime target for exploitation that could compromise system stability and availability.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of minimum timeout enforcement for SCSI Generic I/O requests within the libata implementation. When applications invoke SG_IO commands against SATA devices, the kernel fails to establish a baseline timeout value that would prevent indefinite waiting periods. This design oversight creates a scenario where malicious or poorly behaved applications can submit multiple simultaneous SG_IO requests without proper timeout constraints, leading to resource exhaustion and system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it specifically targets the Programmed I/O mode of storage devices. This mode of operation relies heavily on precise timing and resource management, making it particularly susceptible to the timeout manipulation attacks. Local users can exploit this weakness by executing an unspecified test program that issues multiple concurrent requests, effectively starving system resources and causing the storage subsystem to become unresponsive. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and resource management within kernel space operations.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-617, which addresses "Reachable Assertion" and represents a failure to properly validate or constrain resource usage in kernel-level I/O operations. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for "Endpoint Denial of Service" and specifically targets the T1059.007 sub-technique for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" within the context of Linux kernel exploitation. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and resource management in kernel space, where the lack of proper timeout enforcement creates an avenue for resource exhaustion attacks that can severely impact system availability.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.6.27.9 or later, where the timeout enforcement mechanisms have been properly implemented. System administrators should also consider implementing process limits and resource controls to prevent any single application from overwhelming the storage subsystem. Additionally, monitoring for unusual patterns of SG_IO requests and implementing proper logging mechanisms can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct regular kernel updates and security assessments to ensure their systems remain protected against similar vulnerabilities in the storage I/O subsystem.