CVE-2010-2784 in Enterprise Virtualization
Summary
by MITRE
The subpage MMIO initialization functionality in the subpage_register function in exec.c in QEMU-KVM, as used in the Hypervisor (aka rhev-hypervisor) in Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) 2.2 and KVM 83, does not properly select the index for access to the callback array, which allows guest OS users to cause a denial of service (guest OS crash) or possibly gain privileges via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2784 resides within the QEMU-KVM hypervisor implementation, specifically in the subpage_register function located in exec.c. This flaw manifests in the hypervisor component known as rhev-hypervisor version 2.2 and affects KVM version 83. The issue stems from improper index selection during MMIO (Memory-Mapped I/O) initialization functionality, creating a critical security gap that impacts the overall virtualization environment's stability and security posture. The vulnerability operates at the hypervisor level, where guest operating systems can potentially exploit this weakness to manipulate the underlying virtual machine management infrastructure.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the subpage_register function fails to properly validate or select the index used for accessing a callback array during MMIO initialization. This improper index selection creates a potential for out-of-bounds memory access patterns that can lead to unpredictable behavior within the hypervisor's memory management subsystem. The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper input validation and memory management, where the index used to access internal data structures does not properly account for boundary conditions or input constraints. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the index value in such a way that it can either access memory locations outside the intended callback array boundaries or cause the system to access invalid memory locations, leading to system instability.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables guest OS users to execute either denial of service attacks that crash the guest operating system or potentially escalate privileges within the virtualized environment. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack paths may exist, making the vulnerability particularly concerning for security practitioners. The potential for privilege escalation means that a malicious guest user could theoretically gain elevated permissions within the hypervisor or host system, potentially compromising the entire virtualization infrastructure. This vulnerability directly impacts the core security model of virtualization environments where guest isolation is paramount for maintaining security boundaries between different virtual machines and the host system.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends across multiple security domains including virtualization security, memory management, and privilege escalation. The flaw aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a critical weakness in the input validation process. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service, with potential lateral movement capabilities if privilege escalation is achieved. The vulnerability demonstrates how hypervisor-level flaws can create cascading security issues that affect the entire virtualization ecosystem, making it a high-priority target for remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2784 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and enhancing monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of QEMU-KVM and rhev-hypervisor where available, as the vulnerability affects core hypervisor functionality. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict memory access controls, monitoring for abnormal index values in MMIO operations, and ensuring proper isolation between guest operating systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous code review processes for hypervisor components and the need for comprehensive testing of memory management functions in virtualization environments. Regular security assessments of virtualization infrastructure should include specific checks for similar index validation flaws in other hypervisor components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.