CVE-2010-3904 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The rds_page_copy_user function in net/rds/page.c in the Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) protocol implementation in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36 does not properly validate addresses obtained from user space, which allows local users to gain privileges via crafted use of the sendmsg and recvmsg system calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3904 resides within the Linux kernel's Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) protocol implementation, specifically in the rds_page_copy_user function located in net/rds/page.c. This flaw represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that affects Linux kernel versions prior to 2.6.36. The RDS protocol is designed to provide reliable datagram communication between nodes in high-performance computing environments, particularly in clustering and distributed systems where low-latency communication is essential for system performance.
The technical core of this vulnerability stems from inadequate address validation within the rds_page_copy_user function which processes user-space memory addresses during sendmsg and recvmsg system calls. When user-space applications interact with the RDS protocol through these system calls, the kernel fails to properly validate the memory addresses provided by the untrusted user context. This validation gap creates a path for malicious code execution that can be exploited by local attackers who have access to the system. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to manipulate kernel memory pointers through crafted system call parameters, bypassing normal kernel security boundaries that should prevent user-space code from directly influencing kernel memory operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to systems running affected kernel versions as it enables local privilege escalation from user-level processes to kernel-level privileges. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where untrusted users might have limited access to system resources. The exploitability of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can occur when input validation is insufficient. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where RDS protocol is commonly used for high-performance computing clusters and database communication.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2010-3904 involves immediate kernel upgrading to version 2.6.36 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper address validation in the RDS protocol implementation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, especially those running RDS-enabled applications or operating in environments where local privilege escalation risks are elevated. Additionally, implementing proper system monitoring and access controls can help detect potential exploitation attempts, though these measures do not prevent the vulnerability itself. Organizations should also consider implementing kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel module signing to reduce the overall attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of thorough input validation in kernel space operations and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through kernel exploits. This case underscores the critical need for continuous security auditing of kernel components and proper validation of all user-provided data in privileged execution contexts.