CVE-2010-3877 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The get_name function in net/tipc/socket.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.37-rc2 does not initialize a certain structure, which allows local users to obtain potentially sensitive information from kernel stack memory by reading a copy of this structure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3877 resides within the Linux kernel's TIPC (Transparent Inter-Process Communication) subsystem, specifically in the get_name function located in net/tipc/socket.c. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that arises from improper memory initialization within kernel space. The TIPC protocol is designed to provide high-performance communication between processes in distributed systems, making it a critical component for kernel-level networking operations. The vulnerability manifests when the get_name function fails to properly initialize a structure before populating it with data, creating a scenario where uninitialized memory contents are exposed to user-space applications.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper structure initialization within the kernel's TIPC socket implementation. When a local user process invokes the get_name system call on a TIPC socket, the kernel function attempts to fill a structure with socket name information without first clearing or initializing the memory space. This oversight means that portions of the structure may contain residual data from previous operations, potentially including sensitive kernel stack contents, cryptographic keys, or other confidential information. The uninitialized memory can then be accessed by the user-space application through the returned structure, effectively leaking kernel memory contents to unprivileged users. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 weakness category, which encompasses improper access to memory locations, and specifically relates to CWE-248, which addresses exposure of uninitialized memory.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3877 is significant for local users who can exploit this vulnerability to gain access to potentially sensitive kernel stack information. While the vulnerability requires local system access, it represents a serious security concern because it allows attackers to extract confidential data that could aid in more sophisticated attacks. The leaked information might include memory addresses, kernel data structures, or other sensitive information that could be used to facilitate privilege escalation or bypass security mechanisms. The vulnerability affects systems running Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.37-rc2, which represents a substantial portion of the Linux ecosystem during that time period. The attack vector is relatively simple and requires only local execution, making it an attractive target for attackers who have already gained user-level access to a system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which involves data from local system storage, and demonstrates how kernel-level information disclosure can be leveraged for broader exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3877 primarily involve upgrading to a patched kernel version that properly initializes the affected structure within the get_name function. System administrators should prioritize updating their Linux systems to kernel versions 2.6.37 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper memory initialization practices. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across their infrastructure. The fix typically involves adding explicit initialization calls to ensure that all structure members are properly cleared before data is populated, preventing the leakage of uninitialized memory contents. Security monitoring should include detection of local privilege escalation attempts and unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as kernel hardening options and privilege separation mechanisms to reduce the potential impact of such information disclosure vulnerabilities.