CVE-2010-0415 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The do_pages_move function in mm/migrate.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.33-rc7 does not validate node values, which allows local users to read arbitrary kernel memory locations, cause a denial of service (OOPS), and possibly have unspecified other impact by specifying a node that is not part of the kernel's node set.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0415 resides within the Linux kernel's memory management subsystem, specifically in the do_pages_move function located in mm/migrate.c. This flaw represents a critical security issue that affects Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.33-rc7, where the kernel fails to properly validate node values during memory migration operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that should have verified whether the specified memory node belongs to the kernel's valid node set configuration. This absence of validation creates a pathway for malicious local users to exploit the system through improper memory access patterns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of node validation in the memory migration process, where the do_pages_move function accepts node parameters without confirming their legitimacy within the system's memory topology. When a local attacker provides a node value that does not exist within the kernel's configured node set, the function proceeds with operations that can lead to kernel memory corruption. This validation failure allows for arbitrary kernel memory reads, as the system attempts to access memory locations that may not be properly mapped or accessible. The vulnerability can result in kernel Oops messages, which represent kernel-level protection faults that typically cause system instability and potential crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to encompass potential information disclosure and system compromise scenarios. Local users with access to the system can leverage this flaw to read sensitive kernel memory locations, potentially extracting confidential information such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other system data. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest that the memory corruption could lead to more severe consequences including privilege escalation or system instability that might allow for further exploitation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation through kernel vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0415 primarily focus on upgrading to Linux kernel versions 2.6.33-rc7 or later, where the validation checks have been implemented to prevent invalid node values from being processed. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and monitoring to detect unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in kernel space operations, where any failure to validate user-supplied parameters can lead to severe security implications. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their kernel configurations and ensure that all systems are running patched versions that address known vulnerabilities in the memory management subsystem.