CVE-2010-1085 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The azx_position_ok function in hda_intel.c in Linux kernel 2.6.33-rc4 and earlier, when running on the AMD780V chip set, allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via unknown manipulations that trigger a divide-by-zero error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1085 represents a critical flaw in the Linux kernel's audio subsystem that specifically affects systems utilizing the AMD780V chipset architecture. This issue resides within the azx_position_ok function located in the hda_intel.c file, which is responsible for managing audio hardware interfaces in the Linux kernel version 2.6.33-rc4 and earlier releases. The vulnerability manifests as a divide-by-zero error that occurs under specific conditions related to audio hardware positioning and management on AMD780V chipsets, creating a potential vector for denial of service attacks that could crash the entire system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves context-dependent attack vectors that manipulate audio hardware state information in ways that trigger an arithmetic exception within the kernel's audio driver code. When the azx_position_ok function encounters malformed or unexpected audio positioning data during hardware interaction on AMD780V chipsets, it attempts to perform a division operation with a zero denominator, causing an immediate kernel panic and system crash. This type of error falls under the CWE-369 vulnerability category, specifically addressing divide-by-zero conditions in kernel space operations, which represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and error handling within the audio subsystem's hardware abstraction layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it affects the stability and reliability of audio functionality on affected systems while potentially providing attackers with a method to disrupt normal operations. Systems running vulnerable kernel versions on AMD780V chipsets become susceptible to unauthenticated denial of service attacks that can be triggered through manipulation of audio hardware state information or by exploiting specific audio driver interaction patterns. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in kernel space code, particularly in hardware abstraction layers where multiple system components must interact reliably. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed by any user with access to audio hardware interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1085 primarily focus on kernel version updates that include patches addressing the divide-by-zero condition in the azx_position_ok function. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to kernel versions 2.6.33-rc5 or later, where the vulnerability has been resolved through proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. Additional protective measures include implementing proper system monitoring to detect unusual audio driver behavior and ensuring that audio hardware interfaces are properly isolated when not actively in use. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, as the vulnerability enables system-level disruption through kernel space manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel lockdown mechanisms and ensuring that audio hardware drivers are properly tested and validated for compatibility with their specific chipset configurations to prevent similar issues in other hardware platforms.