CVE-2010-2492 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the ecryptfs_uid_hash macro in fs/ecryptfs/messaging.c in the eCryptfs subsystem in the Linux kernel before 2.6.35 might allow local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (system crash) via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2492 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the eCryptfs subsystem of the Linux kernel, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.6.35. This vulnerability resides in the ecryptfs_uid_hash macro located in the fs/ecryptfs/messaging.c file, which is part of the kernel's cryptographic filesystem implementation. The eCryptfs subsystem provides transparent encryption services for files and directories, making it a fundamental component for data protection in Linux environments. The buffer overflow condition occurs during the processing of user identifiers within the messaging framework, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by local malicious users to compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests when the ecryptfs_uid_hash macro fails to properly validate input boundaries during hash computation operations. This macro is responsible for generating hash values based on user identifiers, but lacks adequate bounds checking mechanisms that would prevent memory corruption. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data that flows through the cryptographic messaging layer, where the buffer allocated for hash computation does not account for potential overflow conditions. This weakness allows an attacker to manipulate the input parameters in such a way that memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries gets overwritten, leading to unpredictable behavior and system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass potential privilege escalation capabilities. Local attackers who can execute code with user privileges may exploit this buffer overflow to gain elevated system access, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability can also result in system crashes and complete denial of service conditions, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where system reliability is paramount. The nature of the flaw means that any process interacting with the eCryptfs subsystem could potentially trigger the overflow condition, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2492 primarily focus on immediate kernel version updates to 2.6.35 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management improvements. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems as a critical security measure, particularly in environments where eCryptfs is actively used for data encryption. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges, monitoring system logs for unusual activity patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of cryptographic subsystems. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068, involving the exploitation of remote services or local privilege escalation mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation strategies to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.