CVE-2010-3850 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The ec_dev_ioctl function in net/econet/af_econet.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36.2 does not require the CAP_NET_ADMIN capability, which allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions and configure econet addresses via an SIOCSIFADDR ioctl call.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3850 represents a significant privilege escalation flaw within the Linux kernel's econet networking implementation. This issue affects systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.36.2 and specifically targets the ec_dev_ioctl function located in the net/econet/af_econet.c source file. The econet networking protocol, while largely obsolete in modern computing environments, was historically used in certain embedded systems and legacy applications. The flaw manifests as a missing capability check that should have enforced administrative privileges for network configuration operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper capability validation within the ioctl handling mechanism. When a local user executes an SIOCSIFADDR ioctl call against an econet network interface, the kernel fails to verify whether the calling process possesses the required CAP_NET_ADMIN capability before permitting the address configuration operation. This oversight creates an exploitable condition where unprivileged users can manipulate network interface parameters that should be restricted to administrative users only. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, which describes improper privileges, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in kernel space operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables local users to gain unauthorized network configuration capabilities, potentially allowing them to reconfigure network interfaces, manipulate routing tables, or establish unauthorized network connections. The impact extends beyond simple configuration changes since network interface manipulation can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks including network sniffing, man-in-the-middle positioning, or disruption of network services. Attackers could leverage this privilege escalation to establish persistent access or to interfere with network communications in ways that compromise system integrity and availability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where local access might be granted to untrusted users.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate kernel updates to version 2.6.36.2 or later, which incorporates the necessary capability checks for the econet ioctl operations. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including monitoring for unauthorized network configuration changes, restricting local user access to network interfaces, and conducting comprehensive security audits of legacy systems that may still utilize econet protocols. Organizations maintaining systems with econet support should consider disabling the protocol entirely if it is not actively required, as recommended by the ATT&CK framework's approach to minimizing attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of capability-based access control in kernel space operations and serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive privilege validation mechanisms even in legacy networking implementations.