CVE-2010-3705 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The sctp_auth_asoc_get_hmac function in net/sctp/auth.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36 does not properly validate the hmac_ids array of an SCTP peer, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and panic) via a crafted value in the last element of this array.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3705 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the Linux kernel's Stream Control Transmission Protocol implementation. This flaw exists in the sctp_auth_asoc_get_hmac function located in net/sctp/auth.c, which is responsible for handling authentication operations in SCTP associations. The vulnerability specifically targets the validation mechanism for the hmac_ids array that contains identifiers for cryptographic hash algorithms used in SCTP authentication. The issue arises from insufficient input validation where the kernel fails to properly verify the bounds and legitimacy of values within this array, creating a potential pathway for malicious exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the kernel processes SCTP authentication parameters from remote peers. When an SCTP peer sends authentication information containing a crafted hmac_ids array, the kernel's authentication function does not adequately validate that the final element of this array contains a legitimate HMAC identifier. This lack of validation allows attackers to supply malformed data that can cause the kernel to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries, resulting in unpredictable memory corruption patterns. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level where memory corruption can lead to system crashes, kernel panics, and complete denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire system stability and availability. Remote attackers capable of establishing SCTP connections to vulnerable systems can exploit this flaw to trigger kernel memory corruption, leading to system panics and forced reboots. This denial of service attack can be particularly devastating in network infrastructure devices, servers, or embedded systems that rely on SCTP for critical communications. The vulnerability affects all Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.36, making it a widespread concern for organizations maintaining older kernel versions in production environments. The exploitability of this vulnerability is relatively straightforward since it only requires establishing an SCTP connection and sending crafted authentication parameters, making it accessible to attackers with basic network knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3705 primarily focus on immediate kernel version upgrades to 2.6.36 or later, which contain the necessary patches addressing the hmac_ids validation issue. System administrators should prioritize updating their kernel versions to eliminate the vulnerability, particularly in environments where SCTP services are active or exposed to untrusted networks. Additionally, network administrators can implement firewall rules to restrict SCTP traffic where possible, reducing attack surface exposure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and represents a specific instance of improper input validation that can lead to memory corruption. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, as it allows attackers to disrupt system availability through kernel-level memory corruption. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual SCTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to address potential system instability caused by this vulnerability.