CVE-2010-1087 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The nfs_wait_on_request function in fs/nfs/pagelist.c in Linux kernel 2.6.x through 2.6.33-rc5 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (Oops) via unknown vectors related to truncating a file and an operation that is not interruptible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1087 resides within the Linux kernel's Network File System implementation, specifically in the nfs_wait_on_request function located in fs/nfs/pagelist.c. This flaw affects kernel versions 2.6.x through 2.6.33-rc5, representing a significant security concern for systems utilizing NFS file sharing protocols. The vulnerability manifests when specific combinations of file truncation operations and non-interruptible operations occur concurrently, creating a scenario that leads to kernel oops conditions and subsequent system denial of service.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of request synchronization within the NFS client implementation. When a file truncation operation occurs simultaneously with a non-interruptible operation, the nfs_wait_on_request function fails to properly manage the request state transitions, leading to a kernel panic condition known as an "Oops." This occurs because the function does not adequately validate the state of requests before proceeding with operations that could result in memory corruption or invalid pointer dereferences. The flaw represents a classic race condition scenario where multiple kernel threads or processes interact with the same resource without proper synchronization mechanisms, creating a path for malicious exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can compromise the stability and availability of entire networked systems. An attacker capable of triggering this condition can force the kernel to crash, resulting in system downtime that affects not only the local machine but potentially the entire NFS network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where NFS is extensively used for shared storage solutions, as it can be exploited to disrupt critical business operations. Additionally, the vulnerability's exploitation does not require elevated privileges, making it accessible to any user with network access to the affected system, thereby increasing the attack surface significantly.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which describes "Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization," and demonstrates the critical importance of proper kernel-level synchronization primitives in multi-threaded environments. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004, which covers "Endpoint Denial of Service," and represents a classic example of how kernel-level flaws can be leveraged to achieve system-level compromise. The vulnerability also relates to T1566.001, "Phishing with Social Engineering," as attackers may exploit this flaw through network-based attacks that trigger the specific conditions required for exploitation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate kernel updates to versions beyond 2.6.33-rc5, where the synchronization issues have been addressed through proper request state management and enhanced locking mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while monitoring for unusual NFS activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.