CVE-2010-1162 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The release_one_tty function in drivers/char/tty_io.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.34-rc4 omits certain required calls to the put_pid function, which has unspecified impact and local attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1162 resides within the Linux kernel's terminal I/O subsystem, specifically in the release_one_tty function located in drivers/char/tty_io.c. This flaw represents a critical issue in kernel memory management and process handling that affects systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.34-rc4. The vulnerability stems from an incomplete implementation of cleanup procedures during terminal device release operations, creating potential security risks for local attackers who can exploit the improper handling of process identifiers.
The technical flaw manifests when the release_one_tty function fails to invoke the put_pid function during terminal device cleanup. This omission results in improper reference counting of process identifiers, leading to potential memory leaks and resource exhaustion scenarios. The put_pid function is essential for decrementing the reference count of process identifiers and ensuring proper cleanup of associated kernel resources. Without this critical call, process identifiers remain in memory longer than necessary, potentially allowing attackers to exploit the resource management gap for privilege escalation or denial of service attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a local attack vector where malicious users with access to the system can leverage the improper resource handling to manipulate kernel memory structures. The unspecified impact reflects the potential for various security consequences including system instability, privilege escalation, or information disclosure. Attackers can exploit this weakness by repeatedly creating and releasing terminal devices, causing reference count inconsistencies that may lead to kernel memory corruption or predictable resource states that could be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-404, which addresses improper resource management and inadequate cleanup operations in kernel code. This weakness falls under the broader category of improper handling of process identifiers and reference counting mechanisms that are fundamental to operating system security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level memory management weaknesses. The local nature of the attack vector means that exploitation requires existing system access, but once achieved, the impact can be significant for system integrity and availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1162 involve upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.6.34-rc4 or later, where the improper put_pid function call has been corrected. System administrators should also implement monitoring for unusual terminal device creation and destruction patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, kernel hardening measures including stack canaries and address space layout randomization can provide defense-in-depth protection against potential exploitation of similar resource management vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected kernel versions and prioritize patch deployment to prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors.