CVE-2010-4073 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The ipc subsystem in the Linux kernel before 2.6.37-rc1 does not initialize certain structures, which allows local users to obtain potentially sensitive information from kernel stack memory via vectors related to the (1) compat_sys_semctl, (2) compat_sys_msgctl, and (3) compat_sys_shmctl functions in ipc/compat.c; and the (4) compat_sys_mq_open and (5) compat_sys_mq_getsetattr functions in ipc/compat_mq.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4073 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Linux kernel's inter-process communication subsystem. This issue affects kernel versions prior to 2.6.37-rc1 and stems from improper initialization of kernel data structures during system call processing. The vulnerability specifically impacts compatibility functions designed to handle 32-bit system calls on 64-bit systems, creating a pathway for local attackers to access sensitive data that should remain protected within kernel memory spaces. The flaw exists in the ipc/compat.c and ipc/compat_mq.c source files where certain kernel structures are not properly initialized before being populated with data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through specific system call interfaces that handle semaphore, message queue, and shared memory operations. Attackers can leverage the compat_sys_semctl, compat_sys_msgctl, and compat_sys_shmctl functions to trigger uninitialized memory access patterns that leak kernel stack contents. Similarly, the compat_sys_mq_open and compat_sys_mq_getsetattr functions in the message queue compatibility layer present additional attack vectors. These functions process 32-bit compatibility system calls but fail to properly initialize kernel structures before using them, leading to information disclosure. The uninitialized memory may contain sensitive data such as kernel pointers, stack canaries, or other security-relevant information that could be used to facilitate further attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for local attackers who can leverage it to gain insights into kernel memory layout and internal state. The information disclosed through this vulnerability could be used to bypass kernel security mechanisms such as stack canaries, kernel address space layout randomization, or other exploit mitigations. The attack requires local system access but does not need elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where untrusted users might exploit this weakness. The leaked information could enable sophisticated attacks such as kernel address leaks that aid in bypassing security features, or provide insights into kernel memory organization that could be leveraged in more complex exploitation scenarios.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1288, which describes improper initialization of data structures, and represents a classic example of information exposure through uninitialized memory. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under the information gathering phase of the kill chain, potentially supporting later exploitation phases such as privilege escalation or kernel exploitation. The issue demonstrates the importance of proper initialization practices in kernel code and highlights the risks associated with compatibility layers that may not properly handle all security aspects of the underlying system calls. Organizations should prioritize patching systems running affected kernel versions, as this vulnerability represents a foundational security weakness that could enable more sophisticated attacks. The remediation involves updating to kernel versions 2.6.37-rc1 or later where the initialization issues have been addressed through proper structure initialization in the affected compatibility functions.