CVE-2010-3296 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The cxgb_extension_ioctl function in drivers/net/cxgb3/cxgb3_main.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36-rc5 does not properly initialize a certain structure member, which allows local users to obtain potentially sensitive information from kernel stack memory via a CHELSIO_GET_QSET_NUM ioctl call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3296 resides within the Linux kernel's Chelsio Communications driver implementation, specifically in the cxgb3_main.c file. This flaw affects kernel versions prior to 2.6.36-rc5 and represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that stems from improper initialization of kernel data structures. The issue manifests through the cxgb_extension_ioctl function which handles ioctl commands for Chelsio network adapters, creating a pathway for local attackers to extract sensitive data from kernel memory space.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability can be categorized as a CWE-1287 - Initialization of a structure member with uninitialized data, which falls under the broader category of improper initialization flaws. The cxgb_extension_ioctl function fails to properly initialize a specific structure member before processing the CHELSIO_GET_QSET_NUM ioctl command. This incomplete initialization means that when the function processes the ioctl call, it returns kernel stack memory contents to userspace, potentially exposing sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other confidential data that may have previously resided in that memory location.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running affected kernel versions, as it provides local attackers with a means to escalate their privileges or extract confidential information from the kernel's memory space. Since the vulnerability requires local access to exploit, it does not pose an immediate remote threat, but it represents a serious security risk in environments where local user access is possible or where attackers can gain foothold through other means. The extracted kernel memory contents could potentially reveal information that would aid in developing more sophisticated attacks against the system, including information that might be used for privilege escalation or further exploitation attempts.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 - Data from Local System, as it allows adversaries to extract information from the target system's memory. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it could potentially enable attackers to gain more information about the system's internal state. The most effective mitigation for this vulnerability involves upgrading to Linux kernel version 2.6.36-rc5 or later, where the improper initialization issue has been corrected. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that local user access is properly restricted and that appropriate access controls are implemented to limit potential exploitation opportunities.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper kernel memory management and initialization practices in operating system development. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor initialization oversights in kernel code can result in significant information disclosure risks. Security researchers and kernel developers should maintain rigorous code review processes focusing on memory initialization and ensure that all structure members are properly initialized before use, particularly in functions that handle privileged operations or user input processing. Organizations should also implement regular kernel updates and maintain robust patch management processes to address such vulnerabilities promptly and prevent potential exploitation by malicious actors.