CVE-2010-3874 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the bcm_connect function in net/can/bcm.c (aka the Broadcast Manager) in the Controller Area Network (CAN) implementation in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36.2 on 64-bit platforms might allow local users to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a connect operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3874 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow within the Linux kernel's Controller Area Network (CAN) implementation, specifically affecting the Broadcast Manager component. This flaw exists in the bcm_connect function located in net/can/bcm.c and impacts systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.36.2 on 64-bit architectures. The CAN protocol serves as a robust messaging protocol primarily used in automotive and industrial control systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for embedded systems and automotive applications where kernel stability directly impacts operational safety.
The technical flaw stems from improper bounds checking within the bcm_connect function where the kernel fails to validate the size of data structures passed during connection operations. When a local user executes a connect operation against a CAN socket, the function processes incoming parameters without adequate heap memory allocation verification, leading to a situation where malicious input can overwrite adjacent heap memory regions. This heap corruption occurs because the kernel allocates memory based on potentially untrusted input values, creating a scenario where the buffer overflow can result in arbitrary memory corruption rather than simply crashing the system. The vulnerability is specifically amplified on 64-bit platforms due to differences in memory alignment and pointer handling that compound the memory corruption effects.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as the memory corruption can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Local attackers who can establish a CAN connection can leverage this flaw to corrupt kernel memory structures, potentially leading to system crashes, data corruption, or in more sophisticated attack scenarios, privilege escalation. The Broadcast Manager's role in handling CAN message broadcasting makes it a critical component for automotive systems, industrial automation, and embedded devices where such an exploit could result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems where CAN communication is enabled and actively used, including automotive infotainment systems, industrial control networks, and any embedded Linux systems utilizing CAN bus protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3874 primarily focus on kernel version updates, with the most effective solution being the deployment of Linux kernel 2.6.36.2 or later, which includes patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those in automotive and industrial environments where CAN communication is prevalent. Additional mitigations include implementing proper access controls to limit local user privileges, disabling CAN functionality when not required, and monitoring for suspicious connection attempts to CAN sockets. From a security framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, Heap-based Buffer Overflow, and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK tactic TA0004 (Privilege Escalation) and technique T1068 (Local Port Privilege Escalation). Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization to reduce exploitability, though the primary defense remains timely kernel patch management. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in kernel space operations and highlights the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date security patches in embedded systems where the attack surface is often limited but the potential impact is severe.