CVE-2010-3865 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the rds_rdma_pages function in net/rds/rdma.c in the Linux kernel allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted iovec struct in a Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) request, which triggers a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3865 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Linux kernel's Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) implementation. This issue exists in the rds_rdma_pages function located in net/rds/rdma.c, where improper handling of integer values during memory allocation operations creates a pathway for malicious exploitation. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel's RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) subsystem, which is designed to enable high-performance network communication by allowing direct memory access between systems without kernel intervention. The flaw manifests when a local user crafts a malicious iovec structure and submits it through an RDS request, triggering an integer overflow condition that can cascade into memory corruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in integer arithmetic handling within the kernel's memory management subsystem. When the rds_rdma_pages function processes the crafted iovec structure, it performs calculations that exceed the maximum representable value for the integer data type, causing the value to wrap around and become negative or excessively large. This overflow condition directly leads to buffer overflow scenarios where the kernel attempts to allocate memory blocks that are either excessively large or negative in size, resulting in memory corruption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered by any local user with access to the RDS interface, making it a privilege escalation vector that bypasses traditional security boundaries. The integer overflow maps to CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and more broadly to CWE-129, which covers improper validation of array indices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to include potential arbitrary code execution capabilities. When the integer overflow occurs, the kernel's memory allocation functions receive invalid parameters that can cause memory corruption in critical kernel data structures. This corruption can lead to system crashes through kernel oops or panics, effectively causing a denial of service condition that renders the system unstable and unresponsive. However, the more severe implications arise from the potential for exploitation to achieve arbitrary code execution, where an attacker could leverage the corrupted memory state to inject and execute malicious code within kernel space. This represents a critical security risk as kernel-level execution bypasses all user-space security mechanisms and provides complete system compromise. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1499, which addresses 'Endpoint Termination', as the denial of service aspect can be used to disrupt system availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3865 require immediate kernel updates and patches from trusted sources, as the vulnerability exists in the core kernel networking subsystem. System administrators should prioritize applying security patches that address the integer overflow in the rds_rdma_pages function, which typically involves implementing proper integer overflow checks and bounds validation before memory allocation operations. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user access to RDS interfaces can provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in kernel space operations, as proper bounds checking would prevent the malicious iovec structure from causing integer overflow conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual memory allocation patterns or kernel crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of kernel components and proactive vulnerability management programs are essential to prevent similar integer overflow issues from compromising system integrity and availability.