CVE-2009-1265 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in rose_sendmsg (sys/net/af_rose.c) in the Linux kernel 2.6.24.4, and other versions before 2.6.30-rc1, might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a large length value, which causes "garbage" memory to be sent.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1265 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's implementation of the ROSE (Remote Operations over Serial Environment) network protocol support. This issue exists in the rose_sendmsg function located in the sys/net/af_rose.c file, affecting kernel versions up to and including 2.6.24.4, with the vulnerability persisting through versions prior to 2.6.30-rc1. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation when processing packet length parameters, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted network traffic can trigger unexpected behavior in the kernel's memory handling mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-190 as an integer overflow condition, specifically manifesting as an unsigned integer overflow when processing large length values that exceed the maximum representable value for the integer type used in the calculation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential pathway for remote attackers to extract sensitive data from kernel memory space. When an attacker sends a packet with an excessively large length value, the integer overflow causes the system to interpret this malformed data as a valid packet size, resulting in the transmission of arbitrary memory contents that may contain kernel data structures, cryptographic keys, network credentials, or other sensitive information. This memory leakage occurs because the kernel's buffer management routines fail to properly validate the length parameter before proceeding with memory allocation and data copying operations. The vulnerability enables what is known as a "memory disclosure" attack pattern, which aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Credential Access and Defense Evasion.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a remote attacker to establish communication with a target system running an affected kernel version and send specially crafted ROSE protocol packets containing oversized length fields. The attack vector is network-based and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where ROSE protocol support is enabled. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that ROSE protocol support was enabled in many production systems, particularly those supporting legacy telecommunications applications and specialized network equipment. Security researchers have noted that the flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices in kernel space code, where the lack of proper bounds checking allows malformed data to propagate through the system's memory management layers. This type of vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient data validation in kernel space can lead to information disclosure and potential privilege escalation scenarios, as the leaked memory may contain information that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-1265 focus primarily on kernel version upgrades to 2.6.30-rc1 or later, where the integer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should also consider disabling ROSE protocol support entirely if the functionality is not required, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of affected systems, monitoring for anomalous packet sizes in network traffic, and applying kernel hardening patches that provide additional protections against similar integer overflow vulnerabilities. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected kernel versions and prioritize patching based on risk assessment and business impact considerations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of thorough input validation in kernel space code, particularly in network protocol implementations where external inputs are processed without adequate sanitization.