CVE-2010-2962 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
drivers/gpu/drm/i915/i915_gem.c in the Graphics Execution Manager (GEM) in the Intel i915 driver in the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) subsystem in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36 does not properly validate pointers to blocks of memory, which allows local users to write to arbitrary kernel memory locations, and consequently gain privileges, via crafted use of the ioctl interface, related to (1) pwrite and (2) pread operations.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2962 resides within the Intel i915 driver's Graphics Execution Manager implementation in the Linux kernel's Direct Rendering Manager subsystem. This flaw represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that affects kernel versions prior to 2.6.36, specifically targeting the memory validation mechanisms within the i915_gem.c file. The vulnerability stems from inadequate pointer validation during memory operations, creating a pathway for local attackers to manipulate kernel memory directly through the graphics subsystem's ioctl interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted pwrite and pread operations that leverage the Graphics Execution Manager's insufficient input validation. These operations allow attackers to manipulate memory pointers in a way that bypasses kernel memory protection mechanisms. The flaw enables a local user to write arbitrary data to kernel memory locations, effectively allowing privilege escalation from user-level to kernel-level execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes "Out-of-bounds Read" conditions, and more specifically relates to improper validation of memory operations in kernel space. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the graphics driver context, which often runs with elevated privileges and has direct access to hardware resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the kernel memory space. This allows for arbitrary code execution in kernel mode, potentially enabling attackers to modify kernel data structures, disable security mechanisms, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate graphics operations, making it difficult to detect through conventional security monitoring. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1543 (Create or Modify System Process), as it allows for kernel-level code execution and system process manipulation. The vulnerability affects systems using Intel graphics hardware that rely on the i915 driver, making it widespread across Linux distributions that utilize Intel GPU acceleration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2962 primarily involve applying kernel updates to version 2.6.36 or later, where the memory validation issues have been addressed. System administrators should also implement proper access controls to limit local user privileges and monitor for suspicious graphics ioctl operations. Additional defensive measures include kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel memory protection features. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring to detect unauthorized kernel memory modifications and ensure that graphics drivers are regularly updated as part of their overall security maintenance procedures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous input validation in kernel-space drivers and demonstrates how graphics subsystems can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation in operating systems.