CVE-2010-0747 in drbd8
Summary
by MITRE
drbd8 allows local users to bypass intended restrictions for certain actions via netlink packets, similar to CVE-2009-3725.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0747 affects the Distributed Replicated Block Device version 8 implementation, specifically targeting the kernel module responsible for managing distributed storage replication across networked systems. This issue represents a privilege escalation flaw that allows local attackers to circumvent access controls and execute restricted operations within the DRBD framework. The vulnerability operates through the netlink communication interface that DRBD uses to exchange control information between kernel space and user space components, creating an attack vector that directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of replicated storage environments.
The technical flaw resides in the improper validation of netlink packet parameters within the DRBD kernel module implementation. When processing incoming netlink messages, the system fails to adequately verify the authenticity and authorization status of the originating user context, allowing malicious local processes to forge packets that appear to originate from privileged sessions. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate DRBD's operational state through carefully crafted netlink communications, potentially gaining unauthorized access to storage resources or modifying replication configurations without proper authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level where privileges are highest, making it a critical pathway for escalating local privileges to system-level access.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0747 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of distributed storage systems that rely on DRBD for data replication. Attackers could potentially manipulate storage replication settings, access sensitive data through replication channels, or disrupt storage availability by modifying configuration parameters. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users share systems running DRBD services, as local users could exploit the flaw to gain unauthorized access to replicated storage volumes that should be restricted to specific administrative users or processes. The impact is amplified in enterprise environments where DRBD is used for critical data protection and disaster recovery scenarios.
Security mitigations for CVE-2010-0747 should focus on implementing proper input validation for netlink packet processing within the DRBD kernel module, ensuring that all incoming communications are authenticated and authorized before being processed. System administrators should apply the latest security patches from the DRBD vendor and consider implementing additional network segmentation controls to limit access to DRBD interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems, and corresponds to attack techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion categories. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous netlink packet patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments of their distributed storage infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in related components.