CVE-2010-2954 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The irda_bind function in net/irda/af_irda.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36-rc3-next-20100901 does not properly handle failure of the irda_open_tsap function, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and panic) and possibly have unspecified other impact via multiple unsuccessful calls to bind on an AF_IRDA (aka PF_IRDA) socket.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2954 represents a critical flaw in the Linux kernel's infrared (IrDA) subsystem that affects versions prior to 2.6.36-rc3-next-20100901. This issue resides within the irda_bind function located in net/irda/af_irda.c, where improper error handling leads to a cascade of system failures. The flaw manifests when the irda_open_tsap function fails during socket binding operations, creating a condition where the kernel fails to properly validate or manage the error state, ultimately resulting in a NULL pointer dereference that can bring the entire system to a halt.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental lack of proper error state management within the IrDA protocol stack. When multiple unsuccessful calls to bind are made on an AF_IRDA socket, the irda_bind function fails to adequately check the return value of irda_open_tsap, which is responsible for establishing the transport service access point. This oversight creates a path where a NULL pointer is passed to subsequent operations that expect a valid reference, leading to immediate system panic and complete denial of service. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference issues in software implementations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems relying on IrDA connectivity, particularly in embedded devices, mobile platforms, and any environment where infrared communication is utilized. Local attackers can exploit this weakness with minimal privileges, requiring only the ability to create and manipulate AF_IRDA sockets. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as the NULL pointer dereference can potentially lead to system crashes that may be difficult to recover from automatically, especially in mission-critical environments where uptime is essential. The vulnerability also represents a potential attack surface for privilege escalation attempts, as the system panic could be leveraged to disrupt normal operations and potentially facilitate more complex attacks.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2010-2954 involves updating to kernel versions 2.6.36-rc3-next-20100901 or later, where the proper error handling has been implemented to prevent the NULL pointer dereference. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running older kernel versions that may be exposed to local attack vectors. Additional mitigation measures include implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges and monitoring for unusual socket binding patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their attack surface analysis, as it represents a fundamental flaw in kernel protocol handling that could potentially be extended to other similar subsystems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust error handling in kernel space code and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks that leverage kernel-level vulnerabilities to create system instability.