CVE-2010-1084 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Linux kernel 2.6.18 through 2.6.33, and possibly other versions, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a large number of Bluetooth sockets, related to the size of sysfs files in (1) net/bluetooth/l2cap.c, (2) net/bluetooth/rfcomm/core.c, (3) net/bluetooth/rfcomm/sock.c, and (4) net/bluetooth/sco.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1084 represents a significant denial of service weakness affecting Linux kernel versions between 2.6.18 and 2.6.33, with potential impacts extending to other versions in the affected range. This issue stems from improper handling of Bluetooth socket operations within the kernel's Bluetooth subsystem, specifically in four key files that manage different aspects of Bluetooth communication protocols. The flaw manifests when attackers establish a large number of Bluetooth sockets, triggering memory corruption that can lead to system instability and complete denial of service conditions. This vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect the core operating system functionality and potentially provide a foundation for more sophisticated attacks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate management of sysfs file sizes within the Bluetooth subsystem's implementation. Specifically, the kernel's handling of Bluetooth socket operations in l2cap.c, rfcomm/core.c, rfcomm/sock.c, and sco.c files fails to properly validate or limit the resources consumed when multiple Bluetooth sockets are created. This design flaw allows malicious actors to exhaust system resources through the creation of numerous socket connections, causing memory corruption that can lead to kernel panics or system crashes. The vulnerability operates under CWE-122, which classifies it as a buffer overflow condition, specifically involving improper restriction of operations within a restricted environment. The issue demonstrates characteristics of improper resource management where the kernel fails to properly handle resource allocation and deallocation for Bluetooth socket operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt critical systems that rely on Bluetooth connectivity. Systems running affected kernel versions become vulnerable to attacks that can cause complete system shutdowns, requiring manual intervention and system restarts to restore functionality. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Bluetooth connectivity is essential for device communication, such as industrial control systems, medical devices, or automotive applications. The attack vector requires only the ability to establish Bluetooth connections, making it accessible to attackers with minimal privileges and potentially enabling automated exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004, which covers network denial of service, and represents a system-level compromise that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1084 should focus on immediate kernel updates to versions that address the identified resource management issues in the Bluetooth subsystem. System administrators should implement proper monitoring of Bluetooth socket usage to detect abnormal connection patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit Bluetooth connectivity to authorized devices only, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, implementing rate limiting on Bluetooth socket creation operations can help prevent resource exhaustion attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper kernel security testing and the need for comprehensive resource management in device drivers and subsystems. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for unusual Bluetooth activity patterns and alert administrators to potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of kernel components and timely patch management remain critical defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities in the Bluetooth subsystem and other kernel modules.