CVE-2010-3437 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer signedness error in the pkt_find_dev_from_minor function in drivers/block/pktcdvd.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36-rc6 allows local users to obtain sensitive information from kernel memory or cause a denial of service (invalid pointer dereference and system crash) via a crafted index value in a PKT_CTRL_CMD_STATUS ioctl call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3437 represents a critical integer signedness error within the Linux kernel's packet CD-ROM driver implementation. This flaw exists in the pkt_find_dev_from_minor function located in drivers/block/pktcdvd.c, which is part of the kernel's block device subsystem responsible for managing packet CD-ROM devices. The issue arises from improper handling of signed versus unsigned integer comparisons during device lookup operations, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation through crafted ioctl commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the PKT_CTRL_CMD_STATUS ioctl command, where a local attacker can manipulate the index value to trigger the signedness error. When the kernel processes this malformed input, the integer conversion causes the function to interpret a negative value as a valid device index, leading to improper memory access patterns. This error condition results in invalid pointer dereferences that can either expose kernel memory contents to unauthorized users or cause the system to crash through null pointer dereference scenarios.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for Linux systems running affected kernel versions. Local users can leverage this flaw to either extract sensitive kernel memory information, potentially including cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data stored in kernel space, or to perform denial of service attacks that can crash the entire system. The vulnerability's local nature means it requires user-level access but can escalate to system-level compromise, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege separation is not strictly enforced.
The underlying cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-195: Signed to Unsigned Conversion Error, which occurs when a signed integer is converted to an unsigned integer, potentially causing unexpected behavior when negative values are processed. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor coding errors in kernel space can result in severe security implications, as the Linux kernel's block device drivers must maintain strict integrity to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as local users can potentially use this to gain elevated privileges through information disclosure or system instability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3437 primarily involve upgrading to kernel versions 2.6.36-rc6 or later, where the integer signedness error has been corrected through proper validation of input parameters. System administrators should also implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and monitor for suspicious ioctl activity patterns. Additionally, kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of thorough input validation and proper integer handling in kernel space code, where even minor coding errors can have catastrophic security implications.